DW: “…a world champion turned down a fight,”
source | bloodyelbow.com
According to UFC President Dana White, after Dan Henderson’s knee injury forced him out of the bout, Lyoto Machida turned down a chance to challenge for the title, but Chael Sonnen accepted and wanted to fly to Vegas that night. White said that the UFC PR department began work on commercials for Jones vs. Sonnen before being informed that Jones turned down the fight.
“Jon Jones said I’m not fighting Chael Sonnen on eight days’ notice’ ” related White. “…a world champion turned down a fight, that’s never happened… (Greg Jackson) should never be interviewed by anyone again except for a psychiatrist.”
But Dana never strayed too far from blaming Jones for his role in turning down the fight. At one point calling it one of the most disgusting and selfish decisions he has ever seen.
Dana continued that he hates the UFC sponsorships to begin with but that it was a “good question” if the actions of Jon in turning down the Sonnen fight would impact their sponsorship. He also, at one point, said that the decision to turn down the fight would significantly impact his and the promotion’s relationship with the light heavyweight champion.