Jon Jones returned to the octagon last month by defeating Stipe Miocic via third-round TKO at UFC 309 to defend his heavyweight title for the first time. Despite hinting at retirement leading up to the bout, 'Bones' has since revealed that he plans to continue his legendary mixed martial arts career.
Rumors have began to surface that the heavyweight champion is looking for a $30 million payday to face Tom Aspinall, a price tag which the UFC are reportedly willing to meet. Michael Bisping recently praised Jones for his negotiation tactics, stating:
"The greatest fighter of all-time - I'm talking about Jonny 'Bones' Jones - is more than likely going to fight Tom Aspinall and more than likely going to be paid around $30 million. That is what Joe Rogan was talking about on his podcast."
Bisping continued:
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"Jon Jones has kind of shied away from fighting Tom Aspinall leading up to the Stipe fight, which was an an absolutely stroke of genius in term of marketing because it drove the demand through the roof, sky high, making it the fight that everybody wants to see. Well, guess what? The man is going to get paid, properly, more than likely. That's the rumor."
Check out Michael Bisping's comments on rumored Jon Jones payday to face Tom Aspinall below (0:06):
Jones had faced criticism from many, including Bisping, for brushing off conversations involving Aspinall leading up to his UFC 309 clash with Miocic. It now appears that 'Bones' was helping generate even more interest around the matchup to receive the highest possible payday before calling it quits on his illustrious career.
Ariel Helwani among those hoping to see Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall in 2025
Jon Jones appears set to enter the octagon once again in 2025 as he will look to extend his UFC record by winning his 17th title bout. Ariel Helwani recently said that he hopes to see the heavyweight champion share the octagon with Tom Aspinall in 2025.
The mixed martial arts analyst labeled the bout as his must-see fight of the year, stating:
"There is only one choice at the top of the list and of course, it is the heavyweight unification bout in the UFC. It is Jonny 'Bones' Jones versus The Pride of Manchester, the one and only Tom Aspinall."
Check out Ariel Helwani's comments on which fight must happen in 2025 below:
Aspinall has angled for the opportunity to face Jones since capturing the interim heavyweight title at UFC 295. The UFC, however, opted to continue with the previously planned matchup between 'Bones' and Stipe Miocic as the two were originally set to clash on the same card prior to the heavyweight champion withdrawing due to injury.