This information quickly spread like wildfire, exciting fans everywhere. However, just a few days later, Rogan had to backtrack on his statement when he revealed that Dana White contacted him directly to clarify that the $30 million figure was not accurate.
Rogan Leaked the Info, Dana White Responds
The whole ordeal began when Rogan, who has access to a lot of insider information, claimed that the UFC was prepared to meet Jon Jones’ demand of $30 million for a fight with Tom Aspinall. This would be the highest payout in UFC history, surpassing even what Conor McGregor or Brock Lesnar had been paid for a single fight. Fans were understandably thrilled by this news.
But then, just a few days later, Rogan had to correct himself, revealing that Dana White had contacted him and clarified that the $30 million figure was actually a false rumor. Dana explained that the UFC hadn’t decided on the final figure yet, and there were still a lot of negotiations ahead. This left fans feeling confused, wondering if the fight would even happen.
Dana White’s Negotiation Tactics: Is He Manipulating Jon Jones?
UFC fans are no strangers to Dana White’s strong-arm negotiation tactics, and this situation doesn’t seem any different. Some believe that Dana is using his usual strategy of “gaslighting” to make Jon Jones look like he’s avoiding the fight, ultimately pushing him to agree to a less favorable deal.
Dean Thomas and others have pointed out that Dana has used this exact tactic with fighters like Nate Diaz, Dustin Poirier, and even Jon Jones himself. When Jones criticized the UFC’s pay structure in the past, Dana has previously said that Jones doesn’t want to fight, a move that has worked in Dana’s favor time and time again.
It’s possible that Dana is using this same tactic to lower Jon’s asking price, forcing him to accept a more reasonable amount. However, Dana White really does want this fight to happen, as it’s one of the biggest potential matchups that UFC could book this year.
What Does Jon Jones Really Want?
Despite Jon’s hefty $30 million demand, there are also rumors that he’s thinking about retiring. Daniel Cormier believes Jon might settle for a lower payout, somewhere between $15-$20 million, since the UFC likely won’t meet his original request.
From a financial perspective, Jon’s request for such a large sum is understandable, especially given his long and storied career. However, if UFC can’t meet his demands, Jon might opt to step away from the sport and pursue other ventures.
Is Jon Jones Afraid of Tom Aspinall?
Meanwhile, some fans are starting to believe that Jon Jones might actually be afraid to fight Tom Aspinall, a rising star in the heavyweight division. Aspinall has been on a tear and many believe he’s a serious threat to Jon Jones.
Recently, Jan Blachowicz even stated publicly that he believes Jon Jones is afraid of facing Aspinall. This has been a sentiment echoed by some fans for months, suggesting that Jon is trying to avoid fighting Aspinall.
Moreover, Jon has been calling out Alex Pereira and Derrick Lewis as potential opponents for his next fight, instead of Tom Aspinall, who is younger and hungrier. This could suggest that Jon is fully aware of the challenge that Aspinall represents and might want to avoid him at all costs.
The Future of UFC’s Heavyweight Division
Regardless of how things play out, Jon Jones is currently the undisputed heavyweight champion, but there is also a interim champion in Tom Aspinall, who deserves his shot to unify the belts. If Jon is truly concerned about his legacy, he should face Aspinall, who represents the future of the division. UFC needs this fight to clear up the ongoing confusion in the heavyweight division and deliver a fight that fans are clamoring for.
If Jon continues to delay, he should just relinquish the belt and allow other contenders to compete. However, I remain hopeful that Dana White and Jon Jones will come to an agreement and make the fight happen in 2025.
Conclusion: Optimistic Despite the Chaos
While we still don’t know if Jon Jones will get the $30 million, there’s a chance that UFC and Jon will reach a deal that makes the fight with Aspinall a reality. Dana White is a seasoned negotiator and will likely do whatever it takes to make the fight happen. As a fan, I’m holding on to the hope that this is just part of the negotiation process and that eventually, they’ll find common ground.
Is Jon Jones truly afraid of Tom Aspinall? Or is he simply looking for the right price to step in the Octagon with him? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
