Jon Jones is now open to the idea of a heavyweight title unification fight against Tom Aspinall, but he’s indicated that a substantial financial incentive is essential for him to agree. At the UFC 309 post-fight press conference, Jones expressed that he requires “f–k you money” to face Aspinall, whom he finds personally annoying despite the interim champion’s popularity.
Jones has previously dismissed the notion of fighting Aspinall, arguing that the interim champion hasn’t achieved enough to warrant a title shot in his eyes. Instead, he has been more interested in fights that would enhance his legacy in the sport. However, during the press conference, he indicated that if he were to consider a match against Aspinall, it would need to come with significant compensation.
In contrast, Jones has expressed interest in facing current UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, finding that matchup both financially rewarding and meaningful for his legacy.
The conversation around a potential fight between Jones and Aspinall gained momentum after Jones successfully defended his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic with a knockout victory in the main event of UFC 309. UFC CEO Dana White has also suggested that if Jones decides to fight again, it would likely be against Aspinall rather than Pereira.
Aspinall earned his interim heavyweight title by defeating Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295, filling the void left by Jones due to a training injury. The 31-year-old fighter has a record of 15-3 in mixed martial arts, with an impressive 12 of those victories coming by knockout or TKO, demonstrating his formidable striking abilities. Notably, none of his nine UFC bouts have gone beyond the second round, with most ending in the first.
This potential matchup has generated excitement among fans and could present a thrilling clash of styles if it materializes. Whether or not a deal can be reached remains to be seen, but the MMA community is undoubtedly buzzing about the prospect of Jones and Aspinall stepping into the octagon together.
In a sport where rivalries drive fan interest, Jones’s evolving stance could signal a competitive and engaging bout in the future, providing fans with heightened anticipation as they await further developments.