Jon Jones issues ultimatum to UFC bosses ahead of Stipe Miocic fight: "Would you rather lose me?"
Jon Jones hopes to land another super fight if he defeats Stipe Miocic on Saturday. Jones recently stated that the final choice is up to UFC executives, and if they are unable to schedule the fight he desires, the two-division champion may decide to hang up his gloves.
Jones is set to headline UFC 309 in a heavyweight title matchup against Miocic at Madison Square Garden on Nov. 16. However, 'Bones' has previously hinted at retirement following his first heavyweight title defense.
He also expressed his desire to vacate his title to get a super fight with Alex Pereira for the BMF title, which he believes would be more essential to his legacy.
During the UFC 309 media day event, Jones reiterated his desire to face the reigning light heavyweight champion if he defeats Miocic. He also said he might retire if UFC executives do not book him against Pereira, leaving UFC CEO Dana White in a difficult situation.
Jones said:
''As far as retirement, the idea for me is to go out there and beat Stipe [Miocic]...the main goal is to get past Stipe and if I can do it in a really dominant, devastating fashion, then the desire in my heart would be like, okay now it's Alex Pereira and if the UFC doesn't want that to happen because ultimately it's the bosses decision, then it won't happen and and I'll just move on with my life.''
He continued:
''But one of the ways I look at it is, would you guys rather lose me or get one more super fight? and the only super fight that makes sense to me, not to everyone else but to me and my team is Alex Pereira.''
Check out Jon Jones' comments below (17:58):
Alex Pereira responds to Jon Jones' callout
Jon Jones may delay his retirement plans for a super fight against Alex Pereira, despite earlier stating that his upcoming fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 will be his last MMA outing.
This prompted a reaction from Pereira, who looks open to Jones' proposition for a BMF title fight. The reigning light heavyweight champion recently posted an Instagram story of UFC CEO Dana White holding the BMF belt while tagging both White and Jones. He wrote:
''Chama my brother. Let's make them wait''
Pereira has already established himself as one of the UFC's biggest stars by headlining the promotion's three pay-per-view events this year—UFC 300, UFC 303, and UFC 307.