Exclusive: UFC heavyweight shares eye-opening theory about Jon Jones being publicly adamant to fight Alex Pereira over Tom Aspinall

Reigning UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has repeatedly expressed more interest in facing light heavyweight kingpin Alex Pereira than the interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. While fans are perplexed and frustrated, one UFC heavyweight shared his theory behind Jones' decisions.

The #5 ranked heavyweight on the roster, Curtis Blaydes, took part in an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda's James Lynch, during which he was asked for his thoughts on Jones favoring a Pereira matchup over an Aspinall one. According to Blaydes, it's a ploy by Jones to keep his name in the news cycle.

"Like, why? I think he knows if he says the opposite of what everyone wants, it'll be controversial and it'll be online. It'll keep him relevant without him having to actually fight. That's my only answer."

Check out Curtis Blaydes' thoughts on Jon Jones' refusal to fight Tom Aspinall (8:58):

Jones recently headlined UFC 309, where he successfully defended his heavyweight title against a fellow all-time great in Stipe Miocic, who he stopped after three rounds of domination. After his win, many expected him to announce his retirement and vacate the belt in his post-fight interview.

Instead, Jones asserted that he would not be retiring. When asked if that meant he would face either Pereira or Aspinall next, Jones remained coy. In what was likely a negotiation tactic, he claimed that if his subsequent sit-down with the UFC top brass went well, he might give the fans the matchup they want.

He doubled down on his claim in the post-fight press conference, claiming to despise Aspinall and that he would only be willing to face him if the UFC compensated him with an outrageous purse.

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Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall has been promised by Dana White

There's been no official UFC announcement on the Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall front. At least not yet. However, UFC CEO Dana White has been optimistic about his ability to book the fight, even asserting that Jones will be well-compensated to accept the matchup.

At the UFC Tampa post-fight press conference, White was again asked about the bout and guaranteed that it would happen.

"100%. I think it's probably the biggest fight in heavyweight history and it's a massive fight in the history of the company too. Big fight."

Check out Dana White guaranteeing Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall (19:39):

Not only did White guarantee the fight, but he also highlighted it as a top priority for the promotion come 2025. Given that 2025 is also expected to feature the octagon return of Conor McGregor, it is quite the statement.