Jones is beyond shook. Do I think UFC fighters deserve more money overall? Absolutely. Do I think that the only reason Jon isn't taking this is because he isn't being paid some arbitrary sum that no one's ever been paid? Not even for a second.
Jon is shook as fuck, it will be the first time he's an underdog in his career, and has a high chance of getting KTFO. He got offered 10 million and it's "not even close" or something. Jon already knows how MMA is structured currently and what the possibilities are. The truth is he doesn't sell anywhere near what Conor sells, so asking for Conor money doesn't make sense in the current context. He's not advocating for an overall change in the pay structure and never has. He's using the money excuse (which in itself is a valid argument) as a way to save face because he knows he is in danger and doesn't want to take the fight.