Speculation has been swirling around the rumored Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall bout, and there is now a significant update on the clash.
After a 20-month hiatus, ‘Bones’ returned to the octagon to defend his heavyweight title. As expected by many fans, the champion easily defeated Stipe Miocic and kept his title—confirming later that he would not be retiring, despite previous hints.
Since then, the talk of Jon Jones unifying his title with interim champ Tom Aspinall has intensified. Now, Jon Anik has shared his thoughts on what the UFC may do.
While nothing has been confirmed, Anik believes the fight will take place.
“I have no inside information, I truly don’t,” Anik said. “You can call it informed speculation…”
“I don’t have any inside information, but I do think that fight will happen. And I think Jon Jones’ post-fight interview with Joe Rogan was very telling.”
Anik later emphasized the importance of compensating Jones appropriately, considering the risks of competing in the heavyweight division.
“It ultimately depends on Jon Jones’ asking price. What is Jon Jones’ value [and] what is he looking for? Is it $25 million to fight? You know, what is the value of Michael Jordan? What is the greatest of all time worth?”
“I believe the organization is in a good position to make this fight happen, and I think it should take place in Las Vegas. It should be part of International Fight Week 2025.”
Related: Jon Jones rejects retirement, wants to fight in 2025
“I think what he wants is a payday in the range of $30-50 million, which he truly deserves at this stage. Because in heavyweight MMA, anything can happen…”
“The stakes are high when it comes to four-ounce gloves and these fighters, so yes, Tom Aspinall could knock out Jon Jones in a minute and it wouldn’t diminish his legacy at all.”
“But, he should earn $30 million because then, maybe Jon Jones won’t want to go through another training camp to rematch Tom Aspinall. Or have two or three more fights.”
“In my opinion, he already has 16 championship banners hanging… I just want to see Jon Jones get the pay he deserves, and I believe that will be the driving force behind making this fight happen.”
Jon Anik’s “informed speculation” leads him to believe Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall will happen at International Fight Week 2025. “I just want to see Jon Jones get paid, and I think that’s what’s going to happen.” pic.twitter.com/FtCMJP3osz
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) November 28, 2024
