Summary
Jones promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
Jon Jones retired from MMA in June, consequently relinquishing his UFC heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg), but he couldn't shake off Tom Aspinall . The super-fight between the two, which remained only in the fans' imagination, hasn't been forgotten. When questioned about it, the sports legend opened up and explained why he refused US$ 30 million (approximately R$160 million at the current exchange rate) to face his rival.
Following the historical pattern in the UFC, Jones, as the undisputed champion, should have defended his title against the Englishman, the interim champion. However, the veteran, even with Aspinall and the fans pleading for the fight to happen, refused and stressed that he had nothing to gain from the encounter.
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During the saga, which lasted for months, Dana White revealed that Jones asked for a high sum to face Aspinall and that they reached an agreement. However, the UFC president stated that the athlete went back on his word. Aware of the controversy, 'Bones' stressed that, at this point in his career, he no longer fights for money but for legacy and unique experiences.
“Some of my motivations aren’t traditional anymore. I don’t think I care about what most fighters care about. Most fighters wouldn’t turn down $ 30 million. They simply wouldn’t do it. My goals are different from other people’s these days,” said the UFC Hall of Famer while participating in the 'Geoffrey Woo' podcast.
Apology
As Dana White openly expressed his disappointment with Jon Jones 's stance in negotiating a fight against Tom Aspinall , the former UFC light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) and heavyweight champion apologized. Seeking to repair his relationship with the company president, the MMA legend admitted his mistake and praised him, crediting him with forever changing his career.
Jones' Dream
Currently, the unique experience Jon Jones desires to have in the final stretch of his MMA career is to fight at UFC White House , in front of Donald Trump, the President of the United States. At this grand event, expected to take place in June or July, the American has identified Alex Poatan , the light heavyweight champion, as his ideal opponent.
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