Jon Jones storming to the throne and the breakout star Tom Aspinall itching for undisputed glory. Dana White certainly has a storyline on his hands that will sell itself. The promotion’s head has thus far lived up to fans’ expectation to deliver the fights they wish to see.
Dana White is no stranger to cumbersome negotiations despite the nature of the task at hand. The UFC CEO is now gazing at a challenging negotiation puzzle involving Jon Jones. Speaking with Stephen A. Smith on First Take, White revealed his dream fight for 2025.
This year, it would be Aspinall, Jones. That’s the biggest fight in the heavyweight history and at the end of the day. What my job is to give the fans what they want, and that’s what the fans want.
Dana White via Exclusive Interview for First Take ESPN MMA
The tale of heavyweight division in the past couple years has involved Jones and Aspinall. The English fighter took the vacant spot as interim champion during Jones’ absence. Moreover, Aspinall even went on to defend his Interim strap before Jones defended his title. Logically, this should catapult Aspinall as the next contender for the undisputed gold. However, Jones has on all accounts denied facing the English fighter, at least until now.
Dana White is asked what fight he wants to see most in 2025:
“It would be Aspinall vs Jones… what my job is, is to give the fans what they want. That’s what the fans want.”
🎥 @FirstTake #UFC #MMApic.twitter.com/3cBTfVJsHx
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 16, 2024
More on that, Jones was spotted making wild plans to vacate the heavyweight gold in pursuit of a super-fight with Alex Pereira. Moreover, Jones even demanded ‘F**k you’ money to face dangerous up-and-comer in Aspinall for title unification.
Tom Aspinall opens up about secret closed door meeting with Dana White regarding Jon Jones situation
The open refusal to fight interim champion has turned Jones into a bit of a meme. MMA fans can be spotted leaving duck emojis on his social handle to antagonize the heavyweight champion. It is unsure what is really going on behind closed doors in terms of negotiations.
Tom Aspinall offers new update following close door meeting wtih Dana White regarding Jon Jones (image via Open SourceAppearing on the Piers Morgan show, Aspinall was quizzed about his take on the fight. Pulling the curtain back a little, the English fighter offered a positive update to his fans. The 31-year-old fighter suggested that his journey to UFC 309 indeed drew positive results. Following the conclusion of the event, White pulled the interim champion for a meeting and gave him assurance of his future.
In all honesty, I was expecting to come and we maybe negotiate a little-bit. He literally walked into the room and said, ‘It’s happening,’ and I said, ‘He’s gonna want loads of money.’ and he said, ‘I know but it’s happening and it’s gonna be the biggest fight in heavyweight history.
Tom Aspinall via Exclusive Interview for Piers Morgan Show
All the pieces of the puzzle in motion, it looks highly likely to witness this epic clash. Allegedly, Jones may be attempting to squeeze more money out of UFC for this mega-fight. It looks like Aspinall will finally get his chance at championship glory in 2025.
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