“Seems like they’re desperate” – Jon Jones confirms declining offer to headlining UFC 300 from top UFC brass; fans react

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones reveals that he was approached by UFC officials for headlining the UFC 300 event.

“Seems like they’re desperate” – Jon Jones confirms declining offer to headlining UFC 300 from top UFC brass; fans react

Jon Jones reveals he declined the offer for headlining UFC 300 (via Imago/ YouTube)

UFC heavyweight champion Jon ‘Bones’ Jones recently made a stunning revelation. Jones said he turned down an offer from UFC officials to headline UFC 300. Jones stated the timing became an issue for turning down the offer. Given the proposed timeframe, he needed adequate time to prepare to compete on the card.

Jones said Hunter Campbell approached him just days prior about fighting at UFC 300 on April 13th. However, the MMA GOAT felt he could not accept the short-notice main event slot. This is what he said:

I got a call from Hunter Campbell, one of the head lawyers of the UFC, asking me. He said ‘Jon, i know its only 9 weeks away but if there is any chance you are feeling up to it, man, it would be awesome for the community that you would be coming back and headlining one of the biggest events ever.'
Jon Jones via Submission Radio
YouTube video

‘Bones’ has not fought since defeating Ciryl Gane last March to capture the heavyweight belt. He was slated to make his first title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295. However, a torn pectoral muscle forced Jones out of the bout.

FS Video

Jones’ team is now targeting a return this fall against Stipe Miocic. Jones asserted that he remained focused on continuing his storied career. He also left open a future fight with interim champion Tom Aspinall. UFC 300 was expected to be a massive spectacle. This equals the promotion’s over-the-top offerings for UFC 100 and 200. However, the card has lacked the dazzling star power many anticipated. 

Fight fans react to Jon Jones’ declining to headline UFC 300

MMA fans exploded with reactions across social media. This came as news broke that Jon Jones declined the UFC’s offer for him to headline UFC 300. Some understood Jones’ rationale behind this decision. Many diehard fans voiced disappointment at missing out on seeing him compete in the milestone event.

Fight fans react to Jon Jones declining to headline UFC 300
Fight fans react to Jon Jones declining to headline UFC 300 (via Telecom Asia)

Fight fans responded with mixed reactions on MMA forums and social media. Some argued Jones made the smart move in not accepting the short-notice fight. Other fans lamented the deprivation of the spectacle of seeing him fight on such a historic pay-per-view. Some fans even felt they were struggling to find the main event for UFC 300. Here are some of the reactions from fight fans:

Jones’ update clearly demonstrated the anticipation and box office appeal he still possesses. Though Jones chose not to fight at UFC 300, his calculated comeback promises much-craved star power for the promotion in the year ahead.

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