Ex-UFC champion believes Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall will 100% happen in 2025 despite $30 million rumor being shut down by Dana White

Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is at the top of nearly every MMA fan's list of fights that need to happen in 2025. However, it does not appear likely that the pair will meet in the octagon. 'Bones' is the current UFC heavyweight champion, whilst Aspinall holds the interim heavyweight title.

Given Jones' prestige and the apparent danger that Aspinall would present him, the heavyweight title matchup is arguably the most sought-after fight in all of MMA right now.

UFC commentator Joe Rogan recently stated that the rumor of Jones being granted his $30 million asking price for the bout was false. The recent rumor being shut down has dwindled fans' hope that a heavyweight title unification bout could be made.

However, former UFC champion Michael Bisping is confident that Jones vs. Aspinall will take place in 2025. During a recent interview with Mike Heck, 'The Count' was asked to share his thoughts on the heavyweight title picture, where he said:

"I definitely believe the fight will happen this year. It seems like Jones is up for it, it seems like the UFC want it to happen. They said to Tom Aspinall [that] it's a done deal, that it's going to happen. It would be such a shame if that fight didn't happen. I think it's going to happen, Internation Fight Week, Las Vegas 2025."

Check out Michael Bisping's comments on Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall below (9:40):

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Jon Jones isn't a top-five P4P fighter in the world, says Islam Makhachev's manager

The debate surrounding the pound-for-pound best MMA fighter in the world was in full-flow during 2024. The return of Jon Jones combined with Islam Makhachev's continual domination has seen fans, fighters and pundits all share their thoughts on the P4P best.

According to UFC CEO Dana White, 'Bones' will remain the P4P best fighter in the world until the day he retires. Whilst there are others who believe that due to Jones' inactivity, Makhachev deserves the title of No.1 P4P fighter in the world.

However, in a surprising statement, the Dagestani's manager Ali Abdelaziz shared his opinion on the P4P debate during a recent interview with Kevin Iole, saying:

"In [Jones'] time, he was the P4P [best]. If you say all-time, he might be the greatest [of] all-time. But right now, I don't think [Jones] is top five. You can't beat Ciryl Gane and beat Stipe and be in the top five... Islam right now is the best."

Check out Ali Abdelaziz discussing Jon Jones and Islam Makhachev below (7:58):