A record-breaking $30 million offer wasn’t enough to keep Jon Jones in the octagon. The former heavyweight champion has reportedly walked away from one of the most significant paydays in UFC history, a move that led to his retirement and canceled a highly anticipated 2025 mega-fight against Tom Aspinall, leaving fans and the promotion stunned by the sudden turn of events.

The potential unification bout nearly came to fruition after Jones named his price. According to Ariel Helwani, the UFC, with financial support from Saudi Arabia, met his demand for approximately $30 million. Jones initially agreed to the terms, sparking excitement for what was expected to be a landmark event.

However, the celebration was short-lived, as he reversed his decision just days later, declining the fight and prompting public frustration from UFC President Dana White.

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This development came after months of buildup. Jones had made it known he would only face interim champion Tom Aspinall for an exceptionally large sum.

The significant financial backing from Saudi Arabia enabled the UFC to meet Jones’s extraordinary request, a purse that CBS Sports compared to the massive paydays in heavyweight boxing. The $30 million figure had been a topic of discussion in MMA circles for some time, fueled by comments from figures like Joe Rogan.

Aspinall’s path forward

With Jones’s retirement, the heavyweight landscape has shifted dramatically. Tom Aspinall has been promoted from interim to undisputed heavyweight champion and is now set to defend his title against Ciryl Gane in Abu Dhabi. This fight signals a new chapter for the division, moving it beyond the Jones era.

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Aspinall had previously stated his readiness to wait for a fight with Jones, even saying the champion could “jump the queue anytime.” At the same time, he consistently pushed for the division to remain active. The collapse of the superfight stands as one of the most costly missed opportunities in the promotion’s history, highlighting the delicate balance between star power and business negotiations in combat sports.