Israel Adesanya makes bold claim about Jon Jones’ $30M refusal to fight Tom Aspinall

Jon Jones called off his short-lived retirement just days later after learning that the UFC planned to host an event at the White House in July 2026.

Dana White said there was only a ‘billion-to-one’ chance of the former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion fighting on that card, especially after losing faith in him over the latest fight fallout.

However, Jones has not abandoned his hope of mending his relationship with White and is still targeting a fight agai nst Tom Aspinall at the White House card.

Israel Adesanya thinks stepping away from MMA was probably the smart move for Jones, especially if he felt facing Aspinall could have put his legacy at risk.

“If I was in his position, I would’ve probably done the smart thing, which is after Stipe bounce,” he said. “If I prolonged it for maybe a few months, and I just know I’m not going to fight anymore, I’m not rolling the dice against a guy like that.

“You don’t wanna risk it because it’s a great legacy. God forbid, he beats you, you’ve gotta come back again and try to fight him again and beat him. It will extend your career for another two years because you are trying to get that back.”

Israel Adesanya thinks Jon Jones will step into the Octagon again

Adesanya does not think we have seen the end of Jon Jones in the UFC yet.

“I think he’s gonna come back,” Izzy said.

“He’s gonna come back after he sees more of Tom fighting two other guys and probably get his stock up.

“He’ll do it. It’s Jon Jones. Me and Jon, we’re cool. I’ve been a fan.

“Tom is a different beast. Fighting Tom is a different beast, but I think he’ll do it, and the fight will be that much bigger.”