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Tom Aspinall: Jones Deserves More Money
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Tom Aspinall: Jones Deserves More Money

Originally posted on Dice City Sports  |  By Robert LaMar  |  Last updated Mar 10, 2026 10:28 AM ET

The long-running saga between Jon Jones and the UFC has taken another unexpected turn and this time, heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall is defending the man many assumed would be his biggest rival.

Just days after UFC CEO Dana White dismissed the idea that Jones was ever negotiating for the June 14 White House card, Jones fired back publicly and requested his release from the UFC contract. But in a surprising twist, Aspinall came to Jones’ defense.

Appearing on The Ariel Helwani Show, Aspinall questioned why the UFC wouldn’t pay Jones what he believes the legend deserves. “Why is the UFC not giving Jon the respect he deserves financially? That’s crazy to me.”

Despite years of tension surrounding a potential heavyweight clash between the two, Aspinall made it clear he believes Jones should still command top-tier pay. “If anyone should be getting paid a lot in this sport, it should be Jon Jones for the stuff that he’s done.”

The $30 Million Offer

Aspinall also referenced a previously reported contract offer the UFC made to Jones for their long-discussed fight. According to reports, the UFC offered $30 million for Jones to fight Aspinall an offer Jones eventually accepted before the fight ultimately fell apart. Aspinall questioned why the promotion hasn’t simply revisited that deal. “They offered him $30 million to fight me. So why have they not offered it again?”

One of the Biggest “What Ifs” in MMA

The fight between Jones and Aspinall had long been considered one of the biggest possible matchups in the sport.After Aspinall captured interim gold in 2023 and later became the undisputed champion, fans expected a title unification bout with Jones.

Instead:

  • Jones retired in 2025

  • Negotiations stalled multiple times

  • The superfight never materialized

If Jones is released from the UFC contract as he requested, the matchup could become one of the biggest missed fights in UFC history.

White House Card Moves Forward Without Jones

Meanwhile, the June 14 White House event will move forward without the former two-division champion.

Instead, the heavyweight spotlight will shift to a different clash, with Ciryl Gane expected to face Alex Pereira in a bout that could produce the next challenger for Aspinall once he recovers from an eye injury suffered in his last fight.

The Future of Jones

At 38, Jones remains one of the most accomplished fighters in MMA history.

But with:

  • a public dispute with the UFC

  • contract tensions

  • and ongoing health concerns

his future in the sport remains highly uncertain.

If the UFC grants his release, the sport could lose the chance to see one of its most anticipated heavyweight fights — Jones vs. Aspinall — before it ever happens.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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