Jon Jones, after defending his UFC heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, has expressed interest in a fight against light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira rather than a title unification bout with interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall. Despite Aspinall's readiness and the potential for a historic fight, Jones insists on a significant financial incentive to consider the matchup, citing personal dislike for Aspinall as a major factor. UFC CEO Dana White believes such a fight could be the biggest in UFC history, indicating that Jones might be well-compensated if he agrees.
In the aftermath of UFC 309, where Jon Jones successfully defended his heavyweight title, the potential for a high-stakes unification bout with interim champion Tom Aspinall has become a hot topic. Despite the fight's promise to set records, Jones has set his sights on a different opponent, light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, leaving the UFC and fans in suspense about the possibility of what could be the biggest fight in the promotion's history.
Jon Jones' recent victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden showcased his dominance in the heavyweight division. However, his post-fight comments revealed a reluctance to face interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Instead, Jones expressed a stronger interest in facing UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, indicating a strategic move away from Aspinall despite the latter's readiness and the significant interest from the UFC and fans in such a bout[1].
Jon Jones has made it clear that a fight with Tom Aspinall would require what he terms 'f--k you money,' indicating his need for a substantial financial incentive to consider the bout. This demand stems from his personal dislike for Aspinall and his belief that the interim champion needs him more than he needs Aspinall in terms of career progression. UFC CEO Dana White has hinted that Jones could be well-compensated, suggesting that negotiations might eventually lead to one of the biggest fights in UFC history[2].
Despite Jon Jones' reluctance, Tom Aspinall remains a formidable opponent and a marketable athlete within the UFC. Having defended his interim title successfully and maintaining an impressive record, Aspinall's camp and UFC executives see a unification bout as not only feasible but necessary. Dana White, in particular, has emphasized the potential scale of the event, calling it possibly the biggest fight in UFC history. Aspinall's readiness and the public's interest set the stage for a significant showdown, should Jones agree to the terms[3].
The potential bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall hangs in a delicate balance, contingent on financial negotiations and personal dynamics. While the fight promises to be a blockbuster event, Jones' focus on a different opponent and his financial demands add layers of complexity to what could be an unprecedented event in UFC history. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this highly anticipated fight will come to fruition.
"I want that (expletive) you money. Honestly. That's just what it is. My life is perfect without him. I don’t need him at all, and he needs me, and that’s a good place to be in a negotiation." - Jon Jones