Jon Jones: Lyoto Machida was my lowest pay-per-view draw of last year – UFC News
Light heavyweight champion of the Ultimate Fighting Championship Jon Jones revealed that his match last year against Lyoto Machida was his lowest pay-per-view draw. Furthermore, Jones stated that he is not interested in a rematch against Machida.
Machida, who is currently trying his level best to get yet another title shot at Jones, might be disappointed to hear that the light heavyweight champion is looking elsewhere for a contender.
“He was my lowest pay-per-view draw of last year,” said Jones in an interview to ESPN. “No one wants to see me fight Lyoto Machida. I don't want to fight Lyoto again. Lyoto is a high risk and low reward. He's a tough fighter, but no one wants to buy that
fight,” he added.
Jones submitted Machida last year during their showdown. The champion fought three challengers, among which he admits Machida was the lowest pay-per-view draw. The other two included Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua and Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson. This year, Jones has
defended his title against Rashad Evans. He is now scheduled to face Dan Henderson at UFC 151: Jones vs. Henderson in September.
“Between 'Shogun, 'Rampage' and Rashad, Lyoto was my lowest draw. Why would I want to fight someone where it's a lose-lose situation? I won't make money on it, and he's a tricky fighter,” Jones added.
According to President of UFC Dana White, Machida is the next contender to fight for the title. Machida defeated Ryan Bader this year to earn a shot at hones. When asked about the situation, Jones said, “I don't know how to answer that right now.”
For now, Jones is sure that he does not want to face Machida again. However, according to Dana White, Jones’ next fight might happen against Machida, if the champion is able to defeat Henderson.
Considering the odds, it can be said that Jones is right at his stance. However, since the sport demands the best man to be the champion, Jones does not have a choice. If Machida is the number one contender then Jones has to give him the chance to claim
the title.
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