Rogan Retracts $30 Million Jon Jones–Aspinall Rumor
A January 2025 rumor claimed the then-reigning heavyweight champion wanted $30 million to face the interim titleholder. On January 9, the podcast host who had repeated the claim said the promotion’s CEO had told him it was false and called it a “fake rumor,” as MMA Fighting reported. The $30 million figure was never confirmed as a demand.
Where the rumor started
The speculation centered on a possible heavyweight title unification bout between the reigning champion and interim titleholder Tom Aspinall. Jones had defended the belt against Stipe Miocic in November 2024. At the time, the two champions had not fought each other, and reporting about a possible payday was speculation until Rogan’s correction.
The heavyweight title changed hands
On June 21, 2025, the promotion announced that its reigning heavyweight champion had retired and that the interim champion was elevated to undisputed status. The promotion’s official announcement ended the proposed title unification matchup; Jones and Aspinall never fought.
Jones’s latest comments
In an October 2026 update, Jones said he was “more than likely” done fighting while leaving open the possibility of a return, as MMA Fighting reported. As of that report, no bout with Aspinall had been announced.
Sources
- MMA Fighting: Rogan retracts the $30 million rumor (January 9, 2025)
- Official announcement: Jones’s retirement and Aspinall’s elevation (June 21, 2025)
- MMA Fighting: Jones’s latest comments on his future (October 2026)
Sources
Tags: MMA
