Jon Jones turned down 40 million USD from the UFC to fight Tom Aspinall: A shocking decision!

The UFC heavyweight division has just been rocked by another bombshell—Jon Jones has reportedly refused to fight Tom Aspinall, even after the UFC agreed to his massive financial demands. According to MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, the longtime UFC champion was handed the payday he asked for but still declined the fight.

“Jones demanded a huge payout, the UFC agreed, but he didn’t expect it—so he refused again. That’s what happened,” Helwani revealed in a stunning update.

The report confirms what many fans have long suspected: Jon Jones is avoiding Tom Aspinall—not because of injury, not because of scheduling, but because he simply doesn’t want the fight.

Helwani: UFC Delivered the Money, Jones Still Said No

Speaking on The MMA Hour, Ariel Helwani didn’t mince words when discussing the latest developments.

“The UFC met his price,” Helwani said. “He asked for a figure, the UFC shockingly agreed… and then he backed out. Jones didn’t think they would say yes. He was bluffing. And when the bluff got called, he folded.”

If this is true, it marks a staggering moment of transparency in the heavyweight title saga. For over a year, fans have wondered why Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall hasn’t been booked, especially after Aspinall won the interim title in spectacular fashion.

Now, it appears the truth is financial and psychological—not logistical.

Tom Aspinall: Ready, Active, and Frustrated

Tom Aspinall, the interim UFC heavyweight champion, has been vocal for months about his desire to unify the belt with Jones. After knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in November 2023 and Curtis Blaydes in July 2024, the British star has done everything possible to remain active and prove himself.

Just days ago, Aspinall teased that he had a “date and location” set for his next fight.

“You guys are gonna see really soon,” he said. “This is exciting times for the heavyweight division… I’ve got a date and a location.”

But now, thanks to Helwani’s report, the bigger picture is emerging: the UFC offered the fight to Jones, who asked for a king’s ransom—and then still refused.

Jon Jones’ Reputation Takes Another Hit

While Jon Jones is widely considered the greatest MMA fighter of all time, his legacy is increasingly marred by inactivity, controversy, and now—alleged ducking.

This latest revelation from Ariel Helwani only adds fuel to the fire:

• Failed drug tests

• Legal troubles

• Long layoffs

• And now, backing out of the Tom Aspinall fight even after the UFC met his terms

“He didn’t think the UFC would actually meet the number,” Helwani stated. “They did. And he still said no.”

This paints Jones as a fighter unwilling to risk his legacy against a dangerous, hungry contender like Aspinall.

Fans React: “He’s Scared” Trends on MMA Twitter

The MMA community exploded with reactions after Helwani’s comments. The hashtag #JonJonesScared began trending across X (formerly Twitter), with fans accusing the longtime champion of ducking the fight of a generation.

Some of the top reactions include:

• “Jones ducked Ngannou. Now he’s ducking Aspinall. The legacy is cooked.”

• “He thought Dana wouldn’t pay? What a bluff. Respect to the UFC, not to Jon.”

• “Tom Aspinall is the real heavyweight king. This proves it.”

Even former fighters chimed in, with Chael Sonnen sarcastically tweeting, “Breaking: Fighter declines fight after getting exactly what he asked for. Tremendous strategy.”

Dana White Remains Silent—for Now

UFC President Dana White has yet to officially comment on Helwani’s report. However, insiders suggest White is frustrated behind the scenes, having invested heavily in building toward a Jones-Aspinall super fight.

With the UFC willing to meet Jones’ financial demands, many now expect Jones to be stripped of the title, especially as Aspinall continues to defend the interim belt against top contenders.

If Jones won’t fight, how long can the UFC justify calling him champion?

Tom Aspinall vs Another Opponent?

With Jon Jones out of the picture, all eyes now turn to who Tom Aspinall might face next. A few top names are being floated:

• Ciryl Gane: Former interim champ with elite striking

• Jailton Almeida: A dangerous grappler climbing fast

• Sergei Pavlovich II: A rematch after Aspinall’s 2023 KO win

• Curtis Blaydes III: Unlikely but possible given history

Given Aspinall’s momentum and willingness to stay active, the UFC may push for a UK main event in October or November, making the fight a major international spectacle.

What’s Next for Jon Jones? Retirement or Irrelevance?

This is now a make-or-break moment for Jon Jones.

If the UFC strips him of the title, his days as an active competitor may be over. Jones, 38, has hinted at retirement before, especially if the Miocic fight was to be his last.

But turning down the Aspinall bout—even after getting the money—could permanently tarnish his standing among fans.

“God bless him,” Aspinall recently said. “But it’s time we move on.”

And it’s hard to argue with him.

The Real Heavyweight Champion? The People Say It’s Aspinall

Despite holding only the “interim” belt, Tom Aspinall is now viewed by many as the true UFC heavyweight champion. He has:

• Stayed active

• Knocked out elite opponents

• Defended his title

• Accepted all challengers

In contrast, Jon Jones has fought once in two years—and now allegedly backed out of the fight he was paid to take.

For fans, fighters, and pundits, the math is simple: Aspinall is the real king of the division.

UFC 307 or UK PPV: Aspinall’s Moment Approaches

As the UFC lines up events for the second half of 2025, look for Tom Aspinall to headline UFC 307 or potentially a massive UK stadium event.

With Jon Jones out of the equation, the UFC can move forward with a clear narrative: the young lion is here, and the division finally has a champion who wants to fight.

Expect the UFC to:

• Book Aspinall’s next title defense soon

• Officially address Jones’ status in the coming weeks

• Begin hyping a new era of the heavyweight division

And if Helwani’s report holds true, that new era starts with the UFC walking away from Jon Jones.

Final Thoughts: Legacy or Cowardice?

Jon Jones has always courted controversy—but Ariel Helwani’s latest bombshell could be the most damaging yet. If a fighter asks for a specific amount, receives it, and then refuses the fight anyway, there’s only one word fans will use: ducking.

Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall continues to rise—active, hungry, and eager to represent the sport. The contrast couldn’t be clearer.

“Let’s get it on,” Aspinall said. “I’m ready to take on all comers.”

The UFC heavyweight division has a new face—and whether the belt says “interim” or not, Tom Aspinall is the champion the sport needs.