Is Jones in a position to turn down a replacement?

[legkicktko]

What would be the effects if he turns down Rumble. On one hand, there is no belt on the line. However, is he in a position to not take this fight?

 

[IntelligenceQuo]

What would be the effects if he turns down Rumble. On one hand, there is no belt on the line. However, is he in a position to not take this fight?

Absolutely. He's the goat Jon goat Jones. He's in a position to do whatever he wants. A normal person would have gone to jail this week for what goat Jones did. Goat Jones walked into that courtroom flexed his muscles and left. The judge didn't do a damn thing. Why? GOAT JONES.

 

[Dead Kennedy]

Rumble is a dangerous fight for anyone. I could see Jones not wanting to risk it with out the title on the line.

 

[Exemplar]

In my opinion he certainly can, but he's not in the position of strength he was last time as DC holds the strap. If he turns it down this time, he'll catch much more heat.

 

[El General]

He will turn it down and he won't care. He has a rocky relationship with the UFC, they need each other but it's rocky, he prob feels he doesn't owe them anything.

 

[Grenz]

Ask yourself, what will happen if he turns it down? Dana will get mad, and that will be the end of it. It's not like they'd release him from his contract so he can fight somewhere else.

 

[Liquid Smoke]

You can't force a man to fight. It's fucking illegal.

 

[Bones245n4847]

He's the #1 ranked mma fighter, so I'd say he can wait out his title shot. High risk, low reward fight with Rumble doesn't make sense. He already has a title shot in hand. After he beats Rumble, then what? He gets the same title shot he already has. Chill out a couple more months then fight Cormier for the belt. Jones vs Rumble can happen in the fall.

 

[Emang8]

Sure he is but I think it might be best for him to take a fight in any case. Focusing on the fight and making short term goals as it pertains to a matchup with an opponent can help keep him (or at least get him) on the right track.

 

[accolyte1022]

Not with those skinny legs of his.

 

[GusDawg]

I agree with the consensus that he CAN turn it down. However, he certainly has less leverage considering he's not the champ, is perpetually in legal trouble, and hasn't fought in over a year.

His image will take another blow (no pun intended) with fans and detractors alike.

Say what you will about him but at least McG takes all challengers regardless of notice/weight.

 

[killakillakilla]

Of course he can turn down the fight.

 

[mesmeric]

He can choose if he wants to be a pussy again or more like a MOFO that he aspires to be

 

[mccloosk69]

It might not be a matter of him turning down a fight. Most guys probably wouldn't accept a fight on short notice against him.

 

[datfnguy]

Johnson/ Jones as a non title fight is like match making masturbation. It's pretty good while it's happening, but you know it would be way better if it were the real thing.

 

[benebox]

This will be the second time he has ducked Johnson.

 

[TheBigRedOne]

He's fighting for the title, taking another fight doesn't make sense.

 

[zephid]

Well since he is not the champ he has the right to refuse a fight.

 

[steliokontos]

Considering the UFC knew Belfort was juiced when they fought Jones has every right not to accept a late notice change of opponents.

As disappointing as it is sometimes fighters have every right to turn down a fight without fearing repercussions from the UFC. A potentially career ending injury, brain damage or even death is a very real possibility every time they step into the cage (its even higher if a guy like Percivall or Mazagatti is reffing) and if they aren't comfortable with making that walk for whatever reason its their choice.

The way Dana has publicly slaughtered guys (especially Jones) in the past was an absolute disgrace and very unprofessional and yet if anybody dares speak out against him he will go out of his way to bury them.

 

[burningspear]

Ask yourself, what will happen if he turns it down? Dana will get mad, and that will be the end of it. It's not like they'd release him from his contract so he can fight somewhere else.

The don't have to give him a title shot.