Major worry for Dana White as UFC legend highlights dying interest in delayed Jon Jones super fight

UFC Hall of Famer talks about UFC fans losing interest in the heavyweight title unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.

Major worry for Dana White as UFC legend highlights dying interest in delayed Jon Jones super fight

Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall delay has impacted the hype around the fight (via Imago)

Since winning the belt at UFC 285, Jon Jones hasn’t been an ideal champion when it comes to activity. With only one heavyweight title defense, his pound-for-pound rankings have also taken a hit, as hungrier fighters rose forward. The interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall still waits for an unification opportunity, however, Jones’ demands have resulted in negotiations delays. 

Last year, Aspinall did everything possible—mocked Jones to provoke him, got fans’ support, and pushed hard for a title opportunity. Despite becoming interim champion, he’s waited over 535 days without a unification fight, stuck in a frustrating championship limbo. Recently, Chael Sonnen addressed the situation bluntly, voicing disappointment over the UFC’s silence and  Jones’ lack of urgency.

The interest in this fight is getting less and less….I have my own guesses as to why this fight is dying, and my strongest guess is that the audience doesn’t believe they’re going to get it. 

Chael Sonnen via his YouTube channel 

Like many other MMA reporters and UFC analysts, Sonnen has talked about this fight for a long time. Few days back, he mentioned that Jones wasn’t afraid to fight Aspinall and had already signed a contract. However, with no official announcement, those claims have lost their value. But Sonnen’s latest statement does hold some amount of truth. 

Aspinall’s father recently criticized Jones’ inactivity and the UFC’s slow negotiations, calling the situation unfair and deeply frustrating. As both coach and parent, he believes Aspinall should stay active, earning fight purses instead of wasting precious prime years. Though legends like Georges St-Pierre have urged Aspinall to move on, the UFC appears unwilling to offer alternative fight opportunities.

Aspinall’s explosive knockouts and fast finishes make him one of the most exciting fighters on today’s stacked UFC roster. His octagon time is minimal—fights end quickly, showcasing raw power, precision, and speed that few heavyweights can handle. Even with Jones’ legendary resume, facing a dangerous, hungry finisher like Aspinall might threaten his unbeaten UFC legacy.

Jon Jones’ celebrity status is holding down the division 

With a decisive victory as a 23-year-old over Mauricio ‘Shogun’ Rua, Jon Jones became the youngest UFC champion ever. He then successfully defended his title against some of the biggest names in UFC history. This consisted of legendary fighters Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson, Lyoto Machida, and Daniel Cormier. After becoming the heavyweight champion, Jones further boosted his legacy, but it impacted his activity.

Jon Jones's superstar status has affected the negotiations
Jon Jones’s superstar status has affected the negotiations (X)

Despite that, Dana White strongly promoted Jones as the UFC’s pound-for-pound king and frequently hailed him as the greatest fighter. After the exit of the likes of Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz, Jones is the only true superstar with pay-per-view backing. However, according to retired fighter turned analyst, Din Thomas, this stature has impacted the matchmaking process. 

That’s the problem with fighter leverage. As a fighter, you go through so much to get to where you are, wherever that is, and when you can really start to call your own shots, think about all the guys who’ve had the leverage and it’s only a few of them. Conor McGregor being one, Jon Jones being the other, and once they’re in a position to where they can string you along, they’re going to do it.

Din Thomas via The Bohnfire Episode 29

Jones has also mentioned that he would need six months in order to prepare for the Tom Aspinall fight. The GOAT candidate likes to watch videos and learn about his opponents, which does not allow him to take short-notice fights. On top of that, he has asked for $30 million for his fight purse, a final compensation before he retires. 

Also Read: