The UFC’s heavyweight picture has remained elusive for a long time now. Thanks in large part to the reigning champion Jon Jones. “I want that ‘f–k you’ money, honestly… Otherwise, my life is perfect without him [Tom Aspinall].” ‘Bones’ bluntly declared last year. This uncanny boxing-like demand sparked widespread speculation, with rumors suggesting ‘Bones’ was demanding an unprecedented payday—reportedly in the neighborhood of $30 million—to defend his title against Tom Aspinall. While Joe Rogan has since dismissed these financial rumors, the conclusion to this heavyweight saga remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Moreover, Aspinall’s situation has become increasingly frustrating. The interim champion has now held his belt for nearly 500 days without a clear path to undisputed status. This raises serious questions: How has the UFC, a multi-billion-dollar promotion, failed to resolve its premier weight division’s championship picture? Head honcho Dana White initially suggested the showdown might take place this summer. However, according to veteran MMA journalist Ariel Helwani’s recent report, Jones has requested an additional six months to prepare if the bout ever becomes official.
This has pushed White’s projected timeline back to fall 2025, further fueling frustration among fans and Aspinall himself. In response, the Englishman recently expressed his discontent. He stated in an interview with One on One, “I am NOT chasing Jon Jones. If Jon Jones doesn’t have the belt, I’m not interested in fighting him. What I want is to be known as the number one heavyweight on the planet, and the belt solidifies that for me.”
Amidst the hubbub, Jon Jones’ friend-turned-arch-nemesis, Colby Covington, recently entered the fray, offering ‘Bones’ a reality check. Speaking with Tim Welch, Covington said, “You heard that interview with Aspinall yesterday, right? They’re not getting this fight done until it’s signed. I just don’t want to talk about it anymore. You can see Aspinall’s frustration. Jon’s holding out, trying to demand an unreasonable price. You can’t be asking for $40-50 million when you’re not drawing that kind of money for the company.”
“I’ve had enough talking about it,” Aspinall recently told Morson Sport. “Honestly bored of it. We’ll see what happens; yeah, we will just see. I’m ready to fight whenever they tell me. So, just let me know and I will be there.” Talk about sitting out in your absolute prime!
Jon Jones last entered the Octagon over four months ago at UFC 309, following a 20-month hiatus. He successfully defended his heavyweight title against two-time former champion Stipe Miocic with a spinning back kick. The event, held at Madison Square Garden, generated a live gate exceeding $16.67 million and 800,000 PPV buys. Now, rumors about Jones and his six-month preparation reasoning for the Aspinall fight have only fueled growing frustration among both fans and ex-fighters, including Chael Sonnen.
Sonnen voiced his displeasure, questioning the New Mexico native’s commitment by asking, “For heaven’s sake, did he take the whole time off? It’s been four and a half months since that fight. Did he not train?” Many others shared Sonnen’s frustrations with his approach in the MMA community. Meanwhile, White has provided a new update on the Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall situation. Let’s dive into the latest developments.
What’s the latest update on the Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall clash from Dana White?
It wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that Tom Aspinall has now become one of the most sympathetic figures in the promotion. On the other hand, Jon Jones has taken on the role of villain in their rivalry, with many accusing him of hindering the evolution of the UFC’s heavyweight division. Fans and MMA pundits are growing increasingly frustrated, urging ‘Bones’ to either “hurry up or retire.” Despite the ongoing delays and setbacks, Dana White remains optimistic.
He firmly stated that the much-anticipated unification title bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall will “100% happen,” calling it “the best in heavyweight history.” As the UFC prepares for the upcoming UFC London event this week, the burning question remains: when will the fight take place?
Speaking to TNT Sports this week, Dana White revealed, “The fight is going to happen. It’s just a matter of when now, getting it signed and done and it’s going to happen. It’s done but it’s not done — not done enough to sit right here now and announce it and give you a date. But the fight is going to happen… It’s just a matter of getting it signed now.”
What are your thoughts on the potential Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall clash? Do you think ‘Bones’ will retire without defending his title against the Interim champion, or do you believe the UFC will strip him of the belt? Share your thoughts below!
The post “You Can’t Be Asking for $40–50 Million” – Colby Covington Gives Jon Jones a Reality Check on Demands for Tom Aspinall Fight appeared first on EssentiallySports.
