How long has Jon Jones been a champion in the UFC, you ask? The current heavyweight champion has been fighting under the promotion since 2008. He claimed the light-heavyweight title in 2011, and since then, he has remained a champion. While there have been setbacks due to his antics, Jones has not fought anyone outside of a title fight since 2011. Even though he relinquished his light heavyweight gold in his pursuit of the heavyweight crown, he managed to fulfill his ambitions in his quest to remain one of the icons of the sport.

Dubbed the ‘GOAT’ of MMA, Jones proved himself at UFC 309 by successfully defending his heavyweight belt against Stipe Miocic but what’s next for ‘Bones’? Well, Tom Aspinall has cemented his spot as a worthy challenger, and ‘Bones’ has asked some “f–k you money,” from the promotion to book the fight.

According to sources, Jon Jones could defend his heavyweight title against Tom Aspinall only if the promotion offers him a massive payday. The talk around town is that the figure comes up to a hefty $30 million. However, is this payday justified for Jones? Well, UFC color commentator and multi-million dollar podcaster, Joe Rogan believes that the UFC will agree to what ‘Bones’ had to say.

While having a conversation about Jon Jones on ‘JRE #2249’, Rogan emphasized, “I think it’s going to be [Tom] Aspinall. I think they’re trying to come to some sort of an agreement. The rumor is that [Jon Jones] wants $30 million and the UFC is going to pay him, hopefully.”

Well, Joe Rogan is not the only man within the promotion who believes that Jon Jones’ demands should be granted. Former middleweight champion and UFC analyst Michael Bisping also thinks that the fighter deserves it. While conversing with his audience on his YouTube handle, Bisping stated, “If Jon Jones is going to get thirty million dollars, good for him. He’s been a champion forever, so he deserves it more than anyone else.”

Well, if we were to look at Jon Jones‘s record then the $30 million payday appears reasonable. The heavyweight star has been dominating the MMA stage since his debut in the promotion. With a combined record of 28 victories and only 1 defeat( a DQ loss against Matt Hamil), ‘Bones’ is the most dangerous fighter within the realm of the promotion. With ‘Bones’ hinting retirement from the MMA realm imminently, the UFC CEO might have to acknowledge his needs.

Well, Jones might get what he wants but what about Aspinall? How does the interim heavyweight champ feel about Jones making the exorbitant demand? Let us find out.

Tom Aspinall shares his take on Jon Jones’s payday

The interim heavyweight champion wants nothing more than the UFC title to his name. Tom Aspinall has been suffering because of Jones’s inactivity. The British fighter has held the interim title for more than a year now. In addition, Aspinall became one of the few fighters to successfully defend their interim belt when he faced Curtis Blaydes. Well, the title unification clash appears to be the next logical step. However, Jones’ financial demands continues to be a stumbling block in making this fight. However, Aspinall has eased concerns surrounding the fight.

In an interview with Piers Morgan on his YouTube show Uncensored, the interim champion shared a conversation he held with Dana White shortly after UFC 309. Aspinall emphasized, “I was literally waiting outside that room. I hadn’t seen any of the stuff he had said. Honestly, I was expecting him to come in and maybe negotiate a little. But he walked in and said, ‘It’s happening.’ I replied, ‘Well, he’s going to want loads of money.’ Dana said, ‘I know, but it’s happening.’” 

The UFC CEO has promised that the promotion would make the title reunification fight a reality but Jon Jones has yet to comment on it as he appears to be much more interested in clashing against Alex Pereira. Regardless, what’s your take on the hubbub? State your thoughts in the comments below.