The potential heavyweight title unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall has captured the attention of MMA fans, with many eager to see the fight and willing to bet on its realization. However, reports indicate that Jon Jones, the reigning champion, has demanded a substantial “f**k you money” to face interim champion Tom Aspinall. Reports revealed Jones demanded a guaranteed $30 million purse to defend his title against Aspinall; rumors suggested that UFC President Dana White and his team were willing to meet this demand.

Nevertheless, UFC commentator and close ally of Dana White, Joe Rogan, later dismissed these reports. In addition, critics voiced opposition to Jon Jones’ demand, suggesting that he intentionally set such a high figure to prevent the UFC from agreeing, thereby allowing him to avoid fighting Aspinall. This narrative gained further traction when Jon Jones’ former roommate from Iowa College and UFC welterweight star Colby Covington claimed that Jones was “ducking” Aspinall.

Covington stated, “I don’t think Jon is fighting him. I think he’s going to duck him and go into retirement… he’s trying to ask for an unreasonable price. You can’t be asking for $40–$50 million when you don’t draw money to the company like that.” Despite the controversy, Tom Aspinall recently weighed in on the rumored $30 million request during an appearance on the Ariel Helwani Show. Aspinall expressed his support, saying, “I agree with the notion that he deserves every penny that he makes. He has done everything.”

Jon Jones’ 16-year professional MMA career has been nothing short of extraordinary. He has faced multiple generations of fighters across both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions, and despite having his title stripped three times and dealing with controversies outside the Octagon, his legacy remains unshaken. ‘Bones’ holds a remarkable record of 12 title defenses across two divisions, unmatched by any other active UFC champion.

However, even with all his accomplishments, Jon Jones’ resume is marred by his only career loss, which came via disqualification for a 12-6 elbow—a move that was later ruled illegal. With the rules now changed, the reigning champion’s only outstanding issue is a plea to the UFC and the commission. Let’s take a closer look.

What’s Jon Jones’ only request after the ABC lifted the ban on the 12-6 elbow?

Last summer, the Association of Boxing Commissions (ABC) sent shockwaves through the MMA world by voting to remove the long-standing ban on 12-6 elbow strikes—those straight-up, straight-down strikes directed at a grounded opponent. Jon Jones quickly responded, reaching out to UFC President Dana White on Instagram with a bold message: “Undefeated then, undefeated now, Dana , we gotta get that loss out of history.”

The new rule came into effect on November 1, 2024, just weeks before  Jon Jones was set to defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. For Jones, the 12-6 elbow had been a lingering issue. After years of controversy surrounding the strike, ABC’s decision to lift the ban was a significant moment. ‘Bones’ had also hoped that the commission would reconsider the disqualification ruling, aiming to cleanse his record in a way similar to Khabib Nurmagomedov. However, despite his hopes, Dana White and the UFC took no action on the matter.

Speaking with Kevin Iole, Jon Jones shared his enthusiasm: “That was the biggest feeling I had when I learned the rule was no longer in place… On the other hand, I accept the change more than ever. I’ve been training intensively with 12-6 elbows… You train yourself not to use them, and now to be able to legally employ that strike… it’s a very devastating move. I’m excited to, hopefully, be one of the first UFC athletes to showcase it legally.”

What do you think about Jon Jones’ reported demand for $30 million? Is it a fair request for someone of his caliber, with such an impressive list of accomplishments and records? Share your thoughts below.