Jon Jones Spills Tea Behind Rejecting $30 Million Offer from Dana White

Jon Jones talks about why he believes that Alex Pereira is a better option than the $30 million offer for Tom Aspinall.

Jon Jones Spills Tea Behind Rejecting $30 Million Offer from Dana White

Jon Jones talks about $30 million deal with Dana White (Fox 9, Sportster)

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Dana White has long called Jon Jones the greatest fighter in MMA history, consistently praising his achievements. Jones’ legal issues and controversies over the years slowly weakened that confidence. His refusal to fight Tom Aspinall added further strain to their relationship and future plans. Jones recently explained why he chose not to take the Aspinall matchup when it was offered.

Jones returned at UFC 285 after a lengthy layoff and made his move to heavyweight for the first time. He defeated Ciryl Gane to win the vacant title and reestablish himself at the top of the division. He later defended the belt at UFC 309 by defeating Stipe Miocic to secure his first heavyweight defense. However, after that victory, Jones announced his retirement from competition.

Aspinall became the interim heavyweight champion during Jones’ heavyweight title run. He defended it against Curtis Blaydes and positioned himself as the clear opponent for unification. Reports stated Jones was offered $30 million to accept the undisputed title fight with Aspinall. ‘Bones’ declined the offer, leading directly into the comments he recently made on the situation.

It’s about legacy. People are already writing Tom Aspinall off, they’ve already almost moved on… Alex Pereira brings so much more to the table. I’ve gotten to a point in fighting where I have a lot more to lose than to gain. That’s not being a coward, that’s just the truth.

Jon Jones via Geoffrey Woo

Even during his retirement, Jones remained engaged in an online rivalry with Aspinall as their feud continued. Their exchanges kept the prospective matchup alive in public discussion for months. Tensions increased again following UFC 321 after Aspinall’s no contest with Ciryl Gane. Jones expressed disappointment that Aspinall chose not to continue following the accidental eye poke.

Jones and Alex Pereira had been linked to a possible superfight since Jones’ initial move to heavyweight. Discussions resurfaced after UFC 321, especially as plans for a UFC White House event began developing. Both fighters expressed interest in competing on the card due to their elite championship pedigrees. The matchup gained attention quickly as a major cross-division attraction.

Jones has also been publicly vying for a coveted spot on the UFC’s historic White House event, hoping to secure one of the card’s headline positions. However, Dana White has made it clear that matchmaking for the groundbreaking show will not begin until February 2026. As a result, White maintained that he simply cannot rely on Jon Jones as a dependable pillar for the UFC’s most historic event to date.

Jon Jones believes Tom Aspinall wanted to quit against Ciryl Gane

UFC 321 was seen as Tom Aspinall’s biggest proving ground as he entered the event as the undisputed heavyweight champion after being elevated from interim status following Jon Jones’ retirement. He aimed to validate that position against Ciryl Gane, who matched him competitively through the opening exchanges. The fight changed direction only after an accidental eye poke halted the momentum.

Jon Jones once again calls out Tom Aspinall for quitting
Jon Jones once again calls out Tom Aspinall for quitting (via Bleacher Report, BBC)

Following the stoppage, Aspinall faced intense criticism across the MMA community, with many arguing that he could have continued despite the foul. The debate quickly escalated online as analysts and fans questioned his decision to withdraw from the bout. This wave of scrutiny formed the backdrop leading into Jones’ latest comments on the situation.

The doctor was like, ‘He seems fine’. But Tom’s like, ‘No, I can’t fight’. The guy wasn’t trying to see, the guy didn’t want to see. The eye he was covering appeared to be the eye that didn’t get penetrated. I don’t think Tom really knew which eye was supposed to be more compromised. He just knew he’d been fouled and it was his way out. If we still fight, it’d be awesome. If not, I don’t feel like I need him. Especially after his last performance.

Jon Jones via Geoffrey Woo

In the days after UFC 321, Jon Jones added more fuel to the rivalry by publicly mocking Aspinall’s first post-fight appearance. The former double champion arrived at a Dirty Boxing event riding a horse while wearing an eye patch, drawing significant attention from media and fans alike. The moment was widely shared due to the timing and visual symbolism.

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