Daniel Cormier has voiced skepticism over Jon Jones’ reported demand of $30 million for a potential heavyweight unification bout against Tom Aspinall. While the figure has raised eyebrows, Cormier acknowledged the calculated approach Jones is taking to maximize his value. The clash, if it happens, could redefine the heavyweight division and set a new benchmark for fighter pay in the UFC.
Jones vs. Aspinall: A unification bout with massive stakes
The long-standing rivalry between Jones, the UFC’s undisputed heavyweight champion, and Aspinall, the interim titleholder, has built anticipation among MMA fans. Aspinall’s dominant victory over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 secured his interim belt and set the stage for a potential unification bout. This followed Jones’ successful defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, which set a high financial bar with a reported $16 million gate at Madison Square Garden.
However, Jones has made headlines for his financial demands, reportedly asking for $30 million to fight Aspinall. The figure, first mentioned on Joe Rogan’s podcast, sparked debate in the MMA world. Cormier, speaking on his YouTube channel, explored the feasibility of such a payday. “You look at the numbers—$16 million at the gate, pay-per-view sales, sponsorships—it’s not impossible,” Cormier said. “But $30 million? That’s a hard ask.”
Can Jones match McGregor’s drawing power?
Comparisons to Conor McGregor, the UFC’s most lucrative star, have inevitably followed. McGregor’s fights consistently generate massive pay-per-view numbers and record-breaking gates, giving the UFC confidence in meeting his financial demands. “When Conor says he wants $30 million, the UFC listens,” Cormier noted. “But Conor delivers gates like $22 million and consistently sells over two million pay-per-views. Jon Jones isn’t quite there yet.”
Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time, has yet to reach the same level of mainstream appeal as McGregor. While his dominance in the Octagon is unquestionable, his ability to drive massive financial returns remains a point of contention. Still, Cormier admitted that Jones’ negotiation tactics could yield significant results. “If you ask for $30 million and end up with $20 million or even $15 million, that’s a win for Jon Jones,” Cormier said. “Especially when you consider where he lives—Albuquerque isn’t exactly Los Angeles when it comes to cost of living.”
Jones’ strategy: Building hype through calculated moves
Cormier also praised Jones’ approach to the negotiations, noting how his reluctance to immediately accept Aspinall as a challenger has amplified interest in the fight. “Jon said, ‘I’m not doing it,’ and that made everyone want it even more,” Cormier explained. “When fans demand something, the UFC tends to make it happen.”
The stylistic matchup between Jones and Aspinall has only added to the intrigue. Aspinall, known for his speed, technical striking, and grappling, is seen as a dangerous adversary for Jones, who has built his legacy on adaptability and elite fight IQ. A win for Jones would further cement his place as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), while a victory for Aspinall would solidify him as the future of the heavyweight division.
Fighter pay debate reignited
Jones’ financial demands have reignited discussions about fighter pay in the UFC. While the promotion has grown into a global juggernaut, critics argue that top-tier fighters are not compensated proportionally to the revenue they generate. Cormier, who held titles in two weight classes during his career, shared his perspective on the matter. “In my prime, I was at the top of the UFC pay scale, but $30 million was a pipe dream,” he said. “Even with big pay-per-view events and bonuses, fighters weren’t making anywhere near that.”
If Jones secures even a fraction of his $30 million demand, it could set a new standard for elite fighters. “If Jon gets $20 million or more, it sends a clear message to other fighters about what’s possible with the right leverage,” Cormier said. “It could shift the entire landscape of fighter negotiations in the UFC.”
The stakes go beyond finances
While the $30 million figure dominates headlines, the true stakes of Jones vs. Aspinall extend far beyond money. For Jones, the fight represents an opportunity to solidify his legacy as the undisputed heavyweight king and further enhance his status as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. For Aspinall, a victory would mark a seismic shift in the division, crowning him the undisputed champion and catapulting him to global superstardom.
The stylistic contrast between the two fighters adds another layer of intrigue. Aspinall’s agility, precision striking, and grappling expertise make him a unique challenge for Jones, who has long been celebrated for his ability to adapt to any opponent. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Aspinall can become the first fighter to hand Jones a definitive loss, or if Jones’ experience and fight IQ will once again prevail.
Will the UFC meet Jones’ demands?
The UFC now faces a pivotal decision. Meeting Jones’ $30 million demand—or even coming close—would set a precedent for future fighter negotiations and potentially reshape the financial landscape of the sport. On the other hand, failing to secure the fight could leave fans disappointed and slow the momentum Aspinall has built as a rising star in the division.
“The UFC is in a tough spot,” Cormier concluded. “On one hand, they have to think about sustainability as a business. On the other, this is the fight fans want, and when fans demand something, the UFC finds a way to make it happen.”
For now, the MMA world waits to see how the negotiations unfold. Will Jones’ bold strategy pay off, or will the UFC find itself looking for alternative matchups? One thing is clear: the potential clash between Jones and Aspinall has already captured the imagination of fight fans across the globe.
