Jon Jones Speaks Out Days After Reports of Turning Down $30 Million from Dana White

UFC legend and former double champion Jon Jones talks about recovery and 'One Last Dance' after the failed $30 million payday.

Jon Jones Speaks Out Days After Reports of Turning Down $30 Million from Dana White

Jon Jones teases potential return (via NBC News)

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Former UFC double champion Jon Jones is deemed one of the greatest fighters to grace the Octagon. With only one disqualification loss to his name, Jones has had one of the most dominant careers in the UFC. However, ever since his last fight in 2024, it’s uncertain for ‘Bones’ to return to the UFC anytime soon. Jones recently posted a video recovering and teasing a potential return to the Octagon.

The former champion posted a video of himself in a room overlooking the beautiful California coastline with his family. The controversial fighter further revealed that he had just finished a cycle of stem cell therapy due to the injuries he picked up during the course of his career.

However, this leads to speculation among fans just months after MMA reporter Ariel Helwani revealed that Jones had asked $30 million for returning to fight Tom Aspinall. However, he pulled out of the fight seemingly after his mammoth amount was agreed to. In a twist, the recent video posted by Jones hinted at ‘Bones’ getting healthy and fit for a retirement fight.

I usually get back to work. Fight the toughest competition the world has to offer. This time, I took a little bit of a step back. I got some stem cells done, some things really needed to be addressed. I wanted to thank the UFC for supporting that. Life is good, your boy is healing. Becoming stronger so that I can finish my old man chapter like a real badass. I think a lot of great things are to come, but all great things take time. I’m patient, I’m a man on a mission, a man with a plan.

Jon Jones via X

Jones last fought at UFC 309 in November 2024, where he knocked out Stipe Miocic with an impressive spinning back kick and retained his title. However, after that, fans urged ‘Bones’ to accept the fight against the then-interim heavyweight champion, Aspinall, who was hungry to unify the heavyweight belts.

Unfortunately, the American fighter shocked the MMA community after he revealed that he had chosen to retire from the sport while relinquishing the heavyweight gold. Despite the sudden and shocking announcement, Jones put out a post showing that he had re-entered the testing pool. This left fans excited and frustrated at the same time.

There have been many speculations regarding a return for Jones at the controversial UFC White House event, representing America at the historic event. It remains to be seen what the future holds for Jones and if he will ever enter the Octagon again.

Israel Adesanya and Demetrious Johnson react to Jon Jones’s $30 million deal

The mammoth of a deal would have been one of the biggest payouts in the history of the UFC if it ever materialized. However, the fight did not make it to reality, and the deal never closed. It is an amount that is a dream payout for many MMA fighters. Former UFC champions Israel Adesanya and Demetrious Johnson did not hold back their thoughts on the situation.

Israel Adesanya and Demetrious Johnson react to Jon Jones' whopping deal
Israel Adesanya and Demetrious Johnson react to Jon Jones’ whopping deal

The duo was seen answering questions on the FREESTYLEBENDER YouTube channel, hosted by Adesanya. However, they were confident about their stance on the Jon Jones deal for the fight against Aspinall. They were asked if they would risk their career for a massive payday. The two analysed the situation and were clear if they would fight for $30 million.

F**K YEAH! I would get my a** kicked for $30 million.

Demetrious Johnson and Israel Adesanya via FREESTYLEBENDER
"But if you were in Jon Jones' position would you fight Tom Aspinall for $30M ?" ; "F*CK YEAH!" – both DJ and Izzy replied simultaneously. "Bro even if I wasn't a fighter I'd get my ass kicked for $30M." – Izzy added
byu/Neither_Sir5514 inufc

However, the two fighters also discussed that Jones should have retired after the Miocic fight. They also acknowledged that he has had a dominant career and deserves the rest. The sentiment reflects a broader consensus among fans and fighters alike: when the stakes are that financially lucrative, concerns about legacy or risk take a back seat, and the opportunity becomes too good to pass up.

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