Dana White’s X-rated text messages about Jon Jones have been leaked.
In May 2014 the UFC wanted to book a rematch between then-light heavyweight champion Jones and Alexander Gustafsson, after the former was pushed to his very limit at UFC 165.
According to information disclosed in recent court documents, as per MMA Fighting, White and Jones were locked in a disagreement regarding the opponent for Jones's title defence in the 205-pound category.
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Jones expressed a desire to defend the title against Daniel Cormier, while the UFC purportedly insisted on arranging the rematch with Gustafsson, with negotiations on a contract extension snagging on that detail.
The UFC sought to extend Jones's contract with additional fights, but Jones wanted a substantial pay rise before committing to the extension.
Jones stood firm, not conceding until his financial demands were met.
Messages between White and then UFC chairman Lorenzo Fertitta discussing the matter have been released as part of a UFC antitrust lawsuit.
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“What’s up with Jones? Did he straighten up or is he still being a scumbag?” White texted Fertitta.
“Still a douche, but we’re inching closer,” Fertitta responded. “Haven’t moved on money, but sent the letter with an ultimatum.”
“Awesome,” White replied. “F*** that punk, Lorenzo. He needs to know we don’t need him, or he will f*** us over more than he already does.”
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SPORTbible has contacted the UFC for comment.
Jones has long had a tense relationship with the UFC, best highlighted by the 36-year-old’s refusal to accept a short-notice title defence against Chael Sonnen at UFC 151.
White publicly condemned Jones’ decision, infamously declaring in a press release: “UFC 151 will be remembered as the event Jon Jones and Greg Jackson murdered.”
The UFC is the subject of a legal dispute which alleges that they violated the law by committing fighters to long-term contracts, thereby restricting their ability to compete in the competitive market for MMA fighters.
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The plaintiffs in the UFC antitrust suit allege that such contracts were part of an illicit strategy to suppress fighter salaries and are seeking damages exceeding $1billion. The UFC denies such claims.
The case is anticipated to go to trial in April.
Topics: UFC, Dana White, Jon Jones
Chris Byfield