Jake Paul has thoughts on how much Jon Jones should covet in ongoing negotiations to fight Tom Aspinall in 2025.
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and interim titleholder Tom Aspinall could potentially meet in the Octagon in 2025. Jones most recently defended the lineal belt by finishing Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last month.
Immediately following UFC 309, attention turned towards potentially making the clamored Jones vs. Aspinall fight come to fruition. UFC CEO Dana White calls it the biggest heavyweight fight in the promotion’s history and potentially Jones’ toughest test in the Octagon to date.
White recently guaranteed that Jones vs. Aspinall will happen in 2025, despite ongoing contract talks. Negotiations between Jones, White, and the UFC seem to be the lone speed bump hindering the fight’s booking.
Many analysts including UFC play-by-play man Jon Anik speculate Jones could make a record-breaking payout for a fight with Aspinall. Jake Paul, who has had his history with White and the promotion, detailed what he believes Jones deserves in negotiations.
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Jake Paul pitches an eight-figure UFC guarantee for Jon Jones to fight Tom Aspinall
In a recent post to X, Paul gave his breakdown as to how much money Jones should covet in ongoing UFC negotiations.
“Did my math. Understand their hope to have Jon Jones lose so they can create the next man. So…” Paul began.
“Bones should be getting a $50M guarantee for that fight. And $10 for every PPV buy above 600K.
“If they offer that to Jon, it’s fair. He should take it.”
For comparisons: Anik pitched a $20-$25 million payday for Jones to make the Aspinall fight happen. As of this writing, Jones hasn’t disclosed what his desired figure is for a return to the Octagon in 2025.
Jones and the UFC failed to come to terms in 2021 amidst talks of facing then-heavyweight titleholder Francis Ngannou for a super fight. Jones eventually returned to the cage last year, winning the vacant belt over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.
In a potential negotiation tactic, Jones pitched two alternative opponents for his next fight, including a possible super fight against Alex Pereira. White says he won’t book Jones vs. Pereira unless Jones defeats Aspinall to unify the heavyweight belts.
Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall are both highly optimistic about booking 2025 showdown
Aspinall earned the interim heavyweight belt after Jones’ withdrawal from UFC 295 due to injury. He knocked out Sergei Pavlovich on short notice before finishing Curtis Blaydes in a rare interim title defense at UFC 304.
Jones is arguably the greatest UFC fighter of all time after a legendary run in the Octagon. But that title could potentially change if he fails to get past Aspinall in their expected matchup.
Despite his boxing success, Paul continues to keep a keen eye on the UFC’s business dealings, specifically White and the matchmakers. Time will tell if Paul’s financial breakdown will come to fruition at the UFC’s negotiation table.