Ruling UFC heavyweight champion John Jones has not joined the Octagon for a unified match against interim champion Tom Astinol despite calls from fans and fighters. This delay has become a focus in the world of MMA, focusing on Jones’ financial demands and the willingness to meet them at the UFC.
John Jones is not fighting the interim champion
Jones has not fought since defending the title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024. Since then, he has won the interim belt in November 2023 to beat Sergei Pavlovich and has since negotiated a unification match with Aspinall, who has defended it against Curtis Blaydes. The lack of progress has made Aspinel and his fans irritated, and some suggest that Jones continues his lawsuit.
Former UFC fighter Jason “Mayhem” Miller recently spoke in an interview with Schmo, saying, “John Jones is under 29 and has not got off the couch. He’s over 29.
“Look, John won’t be younger. We won’t be younger. Let’s have a damn fight. Tom Aspinoll, I looked, John Jones said 30 million people were cool.
John Jones, now in Thailand, responded to criticism by paying attention to the UFC, saying, “I told the UFC a long time ago that Yall Barkin ‘up the Corning Tree to my plan. There’s no reason they haven’t shared it with you yet.” He does not directly address the details of his demands, but suggests the importance of maximizing his income at this stage of his career.
“The fight will happen. When is it a problem now, and if you sign it, there will be a fight. That will happen.
The ongoing standoff led to speculation that John Jones’s asking price is rumoured to be nearly $30 million. Some, like Miller, argue that the UFC can afford to pay for the Marquee fight, while others question whether promotions are willing to meet such demands. In the meantime, Aspinall is ready and vocal, but Jon Jones’ next move and the timeline for the heavyweight unified match remains uncertain.
