A bombshell claim has surfaced about the UFC’s financial offer to Jon Jones for a potential title unification bout against Tom Aspinall. Despite months of negotiations, the fight remains unconfirmed, even after the promotion reportedly agreed to pay Jones what he once described as “f**k you money.”
According to former UFC fighter Chael Sonnen, Jones was offered a guaranteed $12 million (£8.9m) to face Aspinall—an amount that would make it the biggest single payout in UFC history. Sonnen said, “Jon’s cheque at the end of the night will be the biggest cheque he’s ever got. It will beat out [Brock] Lesnar, [Georges] St-Pierre, even Ronda Rousey.”
Despite the offer, Jones, 37, has sent mixed signals about his future, recently hinting at retirement. UFC president Dana White claimed Jones agreed to the fight, stating, “Jon Jones was offered the deal and accepted the deal. Jon agreed to fight Tom.”
However, White also admitted his confidence is fading: “You can’t make people fight. If Jon doesn’t want to fight, you can’t make him fight.”
Jones hasn’t fought since defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November, while Aspinall has been inactive since his first-round knockout win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 last July.
UFC 322 in November was being considered for the bout, but with Jones hesitating, the superfight remains in limbo.
