According to UFC color analyst and podcast host Joe Rogan, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones is rumored to have set an asking price of $30 million for his potential title defense against interim champ Tom Aspinall.
Happy Punch captured the segment, but here is a link to the full episode.
Jon Jones’ Asking Price: $30 Million
The $30 million asking price is believable and reasonable. Jones is, by all admissions, the greatest fighter in UFC history. He just successfully defended his title against Stipe Miocic, the man previously viewed as the greatest heavyweight in UFC history.
Fans have been clamoring for Jones to fight Aspinall, which proves there is a ton of demand for the fight.
UFC President Dana White has guaranteed the fight will be made and has shown a commitment to paying Jones the “F-you” money he mentioned shortly after the win over Miocic.
There is every reason to believe Jones will get the money he’s seeking for what is shaping up to be the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history.
When Will Jon Jones Fight Tom Aspinall?
There is no date or timetable set for the fight, but you’d expect to see Jones vs. Aspinall headlining a pay-per-view show in the second or third quarter of 2025. If it takes place in the latter part of the second quarter or early third, Jones vs. Aspinall as the main event for International Fight Week in Las Vegas makes a ton of sense.
If the Saudis are willing to support the event as they did with Noche UFC in September 2024, it’s possible the location could shift to Riyadh. If that happens, the event would be historic for multiple reasons.
The Jones-Aspinall matchup already has its own special build, but it would also mark the first UFC pay-per-view show in Saudi Arabia.
Will Jon Jones Retire Following the Tom Aspinall Fight?
There is a good chance the fight with Aspinall could be Jones’ last—win or lose. If he loses, it seems almost certain he would hang up the gloves. If he wins, it might be hard for Jones to walk away from what could be an even bigger fight against Alex Pereira.
If Pereira fights and defeats his next challenger, which is rumored to be in March, seeing the Brazilian move up to heavyweight to challenge Jones would give the UFC two all-time great fights in the same year.
If Conor McGregor returns, as White has said he expects, the promotion could generate more money and buzz than it has in its history.
Magomed Ankalaev or Khamzat Chimaev may have something to say about Pereira moving up to heavyweight, at least while remaining the light heavyweight champion.
Either man could be Pereira’s next challenger. Pereira has said he wants to return in March. He’s hinted at a fight in Australia, but it seems more likely he will headline UFC 313 in Las Vegas.
We could have more definitive information on Pereira and Jones’ futures in the next few weeks
