Fight fans have only one demand from UFC boss Dana White: to set up what could be the greatest heavyweight clash of all time—a title unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. UFC shelved this matchup since last year, but with the reigning champion successfully defending his title against former champion Stipe Miočić last month at UFC 309, the road seems clear for this highly anticipated showdown.

However, Jon Jones, who had previously avoided a matchup with Tom Aspinall by labeling him a “dangerous up-and-comer,” shifted his focus toward a “fun fight” with Alex Pereira. He described Pereira as an “established and dangerous” opponent, temporarily diverting attention from the Aspinall bout. Yet, mounting pressure from fans and Dana White seems to have pushed ‘Bones’ to reconsider his stance. Reports suggest he has now demanded a $30 million payday, famously referring to it as “f**k you money.” 

However, rumors from the popular MMA Instagram page Golden Combat claim that Dana White has surprisingly agreed to meet Jon Jones’ “$30 million” asking price for the highly anticipated showdown with Aspinall. These rumors gained even more traction following White’s cryptic comments at the UFC Tampa post-fight press conference. When pressed about future plans, White teased, “I’ve got something in the works for 2025 that you’ll never see coming.” While he refrained from revealing specific details, his statement has left fans buzzing with speculation. Could it be Conor McGregor’s much-anticipated return, or is it the long-awaited Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall clash?

The “$30 million” figure has ignited debate among fans and analysts, with many arguing that it falls short of what Jon Jones truly deserves. Jake Paul recently suggested that ‘Bones’ should receive at least $50 million guaranteed, while fight analyst The MMA Guru echoed similar views, advocating for a payout in the range of “$40 to $50” million. Both highlighted the whopping figure with the reigning champion’s star power, noting that his headlining performance at UFC 309 in Madison Square Garden solidified him as a draw on par with Conor McGregor.

“Did my math. Understand their hope to have Jon Jones lose so they can create the next man. So… Bones should be getting a $50M guarantee for that fight. And $10 for every PPV buy above 600K. If they offer that to Jon, it’s fair. He should take it,” said Jake Paul on X.

As of now, neither Dana White nor the UFC has confirmed these reports. However, Tom Aspinall’s recent statement has further intensified the speculation fueled by Golden Combat’s claims. Read on to discover what Aspinall has revealed about his potential title unification bout against Jon Jones.

Tom Aspinall shares Dana White’s stance on Jon Jones’ payday

The fighter who has suffered the most because of inactivity is none other than interim champion Tom Aspinall. He has held the heavyweight interim title for more than a year, yet his shot at a unification bout still seems distant. It has already been a year, and although Aspinall defended the interim title against Curtis Blaydes last summer, there is still no official date or month set for his title’s unification dream.

However, Aspinall’s recent revelations have uncovered some of the backstage drama within the UFC. In an interview with Piers Morgan on his YouTube show Uncensored, the interim champion shared a conversation he had with Dana White shortly after UFC 309. Aspinall recalled, “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.’” 

What do you think about the recent rumors surrounding Jon Jones’ $30 million payday to face the younger and dangerous Tom Aspinall? Is $30 million enough to justify, with the reigning champion risking his belt and legacy, or does he deserve more, as suggested by Jake Paul and MMA Guru, who proposed figures between $40 million and $50 million? Share your thoughts below.