Dana White’s Candid Thoughts On Jon Jones’ Demands Revealed In Leaked DMs – Fans Validate: “Spoke No Lies”
Dana White’s unfiltered thoughts on Jon Jones’ contract dispute with the UFC have been thrust into the spotlight due to a recent leak in the relentless world of mixed martial arts. The leaked DMs, disclosed as part of an ongoing antitrust lawsuit against the UFC, reveal a revealing conversation between former chairman Lorenzo Fertitta and White.
The revealed papers, dated May 24th of the year 2014, bring forth significant information about a crucial instant in the UFC’s past. During this period, the organisation eagerly planned to arrange another match between Jon Jones and Alexander Gustafsson after their fiercely fought contest at UFC 165 in twenty-nine. Yet it seems that Jones had alternate intentions, as he pushed for an encounter with Daniel Cormier instead.
At the heart of the issue was the UFC’s aim to lock in Jones with a lasting agreement, preventing any possible shifts towards competing entities. White, who is notorious for his turbulent association with Jones, communicated blunt opinions regarding whether or not Jones had reformed his behaviour through a direct message to Fertitta. He questioned if he remained what White deemed reprehensible by labelling him a “scumbag.”
Fertitta suggested that negotiations were still ongoing with Jones, referring to him as a “douche,” and mentioned progress being made; however, financial terms had not been finalised yet. White expressed his displeasure towards Jones in clear language, highlighting the UFC’s autonomy from the fighter, which appeared to stem from frustration during negotiations.
As of the current time, MMA followers are fervently scrutinising these leaked private messages. Several supporters promptly confirmed White’s previous comments in light of Jones’ tumultuous past with the UFC. Others remember how Jones rejected a last-minute bout against Chael Sonnen, which resulted in the notorious cancellation of UFC 151, and maintain that White had some justification for his position.
Public opinion is split on the matter, with fans acting as both judges and juries. Some back White’s position, agreeing with former UFC owners (the Fertitta brothers). Others find it amusing and theorise that Jones and White may be intentionally delaying until 2024, which could negatively affect the promotion’s heavyweight category.
Apart from the released DMs, the story continues further. In 2016, a group of buyers headed by Endeavour, a media behemoth based in Hollywood, acquired majority stakes previously held by the Fertitta brothers in the UFC, resulting in their withdrawal. Currently, White holds the top position as CEO at UFC owing to his rise during the merger between UFC and WWE back in 2023 under its present parent company Endeavour’s ownership.
After the Fertitta brothers stepped down, Jon Jones, previously a light heavyweight champion and now reigning as the UFC’s heavyweight champ, was confronted with an obstacle of another kind: being sidelined due to injury. Although scheduled for a title defence against Stipe Miocic in November 2023, complications arose from a pectoral injury that led to his recent elbow surgery. As he recuperates, Jones’ return to the octagon will be delayed indefinitely.
Jones’ upcoming title defence against Miocic later this year (2024) is generating eager anticipation, despite the setbacks encountered. The stakes are particularly high since whoever triumphs in their clash will move on to confront interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. With an already prominent spotlight directed towards it, the UFC’s heavyweight division eagerly awaits the outcome of this imminent showdown.
The leaked DMs are serving as a reminder of the intricate workings behind the scenes, while fans eagerly anticipate the dramatic events inside the octagon. Dana White’s candid communication in private messages sheds light on contract negotiations and fighter relations that can often be shrouded in secrecy within the UFC, adding an extra level of openness.
The exposed direct messages provide a sneak peek into the raw conversations that influence the pathways of fighters’ careers and affect the UFC’s commercial transactions. Regardless of whether individuals agree with White’s unreserved comments or view them as part of an ongoing saga, this disclosure instigates debates about the relationship dynamics between fighters and promotional tycoons at the UFC.