Jon Jones Downplays Pay Dispute, Unclear on Retirement After UFC 327 Appearance

Jon Jones attended UFC 327 in Miami and spoke about the failed fight talks with Alex Pereira. He called the issue a pay disagreement and did not burn bridges with the promotion. His retirement status remains unclear.

Jones on the negotiation with Alex Pereira

At the event, Jones told reporters the split with the UFC was a simple matter of pay. He said he wanted different compensation and the sides disagreed. Jones described it as something that happens in life rather than a deep personal fight with the promotion.

He also praised Alex Pereira, calling him a classy fighter and saying he is a fan of Pereira as a person and potential opponent.

What happened after talks broke down

When negotiations between Jones and the UFC failed, the fight opportunity went to Ciryl Gane. The dispute had become public in March. Jones had been unhappy about being left off a White House card, and he accused the UFC of lowballing him. UFC CEO Dana White responded that Jones was never a realistic choice to headline that card.

Jones at one point said the promotion should release him if it was not serious about negotiating. Still, at UFC 327 he avoided burning bridges and stayed measured in his comments.

Retirement, motivation and being back at UFC 327

Jones said he is not sure if he is retired. He told reporters he is taking things day by day while he figures out his body and how he feels. The attendance at UFC 327 seemed to affect him. He said being at the event gave him a fire he had not felt in a while and it felt good to be there.

When asked if he has anything left to prove, Jones answered plainly that he does not feel like he has anything to prove and that he feels really good. He has said before that his reasons to keep fighting are to add big names to his legacy and to maximize earnings. Whether the UFC can meet those conditions remains open.

Interview

Jones spoke to UFC Brasil at the event. Watch the full exchange below.