Jon Jones wants his next UFC light heavyweight title defense to be against Daniel Cormier. Daniel Cormier is eager to get his hands on Jones sooner rather than later.
Alexander Gustafsson wants his much-ballyhooed title rematch with Jones to take place at UFC 177. And promotion president Dana White has made it clear that he is of the mind-set that Gustafsson should be the one to get his wish. Thus is the topsy-turvy world of the UFC 205-pound title picture.
White is determined to set this ship straight. During a recent interview with the Albuquerque [N.M.] Journal, White made it clear who he expects will be standing across from Jones in the Octagon when the champ makes his next cage appearance.
"Gustafsson's next in line," White said. "Even Cormier said, 'Listen, I hope this whole things works out for me and I get the shot, but even I believe that Gustafsson deserves the next shot.' (Gustafsson is) the No. 1 contender, he's waited for this rematch and (Cormier) even agrees."
White can't be any more emphatic, but he has yet to pursuade Jones. The champion wants to take on Cormier and has shown no indication he will agree to fight Gustafsson next.
As UFC president, White sits in the power chair. But as the top pound-for-pound fighter in mixed martial arts, Jones has a few bargaining chips at his disposal. And the longer Jones refuses to accept the current terms of a Gustafsson rematch, the more difficult it becomes to reach a resolution in the near future.
It's reasonable to assume that other champions are watching this matter closely. And that has to make UFC officials a bit uncomfortable.
"It's just one of those things that sucks, to be honest with you. As soon as that kid (Jones) starts to build some steam and starts to become the star that you think he can be, he comes out and doesn't want to fight somebody," White said. "You're the champion, you're the pound-for-pound best guy in the world, and he says he wants to be known as the best ever.
"Well, you don't turn down opponents; you know what I mean? You've got to fight all the best in the world, anyway. You're the man; everybody's gunning for you."
From a promoter's standpoint, White's comment makes sense. But Jones is a fighter whose peak competitive window is small. He must always seek to maximize his financial earnings, which lead to conflicts with UFC's monetary ambitions.
Fight fans aren't often concerned with behind-the-scenes issue; they want to see compelling bouts. As a result, Jones has received backlash for not yet agreeing to face Gustafsson. But he offered a glimpse into his reasoning recently on Twitter.
"Let's make the distinction between bad business and bad press," Jones said.
Without being privy to details of the negotiations. This much can be surmised from Jones' comment: He isn't fully satisfied with the financial offer he's received to fight Gustafsson.
Like most things in life, money plays a very important role in resolving differences. And the current talks between UFC and its No. 1 fighter aren't immune to this reality.
In this showdown, UFC negotiates from a position of strength. It is a powerful brand and will attract fans and make lots of money whether or not Jones is its champion.
Jones, however, will relinquish his title one day, whether he is defeated in the cage or simply grows old -- one way or another his days of negotiating with some leverage are numbered.
For this reason, don't expect Jones to blink. Besides, he's already demonstrated a willingness to stand by his principles and stare down UFC -- even when his stance is unpopular among fans.
Jones refused to face Chael Sonnen on short notice when instructed to do so by UFC officials. As a result, the promotion was forced to cancel UFC 151. It's the only time a UFC event failed to go on as scheduled since White has been at the helm.
The fallout from fans was swift and harsh, and Jones issued an apology for his actions shortly thereafter. But he never expressed regret for his decision. And he won't feel any regret for failing to fight Gustafsson next.
White wants Jones-Gustafsson II, but he also wanted Jones-Sonnen at UFC 151 and we know how that turned out.
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