When the 20-year ban on MMA was finally lifted in the state of New York in 2016, most fighters were more than ecstatic about it. After all, being able to fight in Madison Square Garden is a dream for many, particularly for New York natives.

Ironically, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is one of them. For the Rochester native, fighting in his home state is not exactly a good business move.

“To be honest, I love being from New York, but my whole thoughts and dreams of fighting in New York – they’re kind of starting to fade,” Jones told MMA Junkie. “Looking at it from a business standpoint, it’s not a really good idea to pay nine percent to the state of New York off the top just for fighting here. With nine percent of every $1 million, that will add up real quick.”

“I realize people from all over the world are going to watch it, whether it’s in Vegas or Canada or wherever. It would have been great to be the first person to fight at Madison Square Garden, but now that it’s happened and everything.”

“I want to do it eventually, but it’s not something that’s a dream the way it used to be.”

As for his next opponent, Jones has not closed his doors on a rematch against Alexander Gustafsson, even if he already called out Brock Lesnar for a possible super-fight.

“Every fight gets my blood flowing,” Jones said. “I know how important it is to never underestimate anyone. I get up for everyone. I think the Gustafsson fight is an option for us right now. We’re just going to wait and see. We’re weighing our options right now.”