Currently, Jon Jones holds a favorable position in negotiations with the UFC, though this advantage may not be permanent.
According to UFC veteran Matt Brown, fighters typically have limited leverage when dealing with executives such as Dana White and Hunter Campbell. However, Jones is in a somewhat stronger position due to the significant interest surrounding a potential clash with Tom Aspinall. Despite this, Brown advises Jones against pushing too hard, as the UFC is ultimately prepared to proceed without him if necessary.
On `The Fighter vs. The Writer` podcast, Brown stated, “The UFC recognizes that the biggest potential fight in the heavyweight division involves Jon Jones, plain and simple. They understand this. Yet, we also know the UFC will continue to break records even without him. The extent of Jon`s influence ultimately depends on how much power the UFC is willing to grant him.”
He added, “They desire the largest fight in heavyweight history, which they know Jon and Tom could deliver right now. Simultaneously, they are aware that if Jon simply walks away, they will promote another fighter. We`ve seen this pattern before. The sport moves forward. It just so happens that the heavyweight division currently has fewer top contenders.”
Brown feels that the scarcity of options in the heavyweight division, combined with Jones`s significant star power, gives him a strong hand presently, particularly as the UFC is heavily involved in negotiating a new broadcast deal set to begin in 2026.
The scenario would differ greatly if former champion Francis Ngannou were still part of the roster. However, without him, the UFC understands that Jones vs. Aspinall is arguably the most significant fight currently available in MMA.
“This is where Jon possesses some leverage,” Brown clarified. “Because it`s the heavyweight division – the primary source of major revenue and interest. It`s where the biggest fights happen and capture the most attention. There`s an interesting balance of power in play during these negotiations, and I believe Jon is currently engaging in that dynamic.”
“He seeks greater influence,” Brown continued. “That`s his nature; you can see it in interviews. He desires that power, he wants to be the top figure, he wants to earn significant money. And we know the UFC`s approach – they will resist that.”
What counteracts Jones`s position is the UFC`s dominant control over the MMA market. The organization has consistently achieved record revenue figures even as major stars like Conor McGregor have become inactive.
While the UFC would certainly benefit financially from a Jones vs. Aspinall bout, the patience currently shown regarding the delays in scheduling this fight won`t last indefinitely.
“The UFC is in a position where its success is almost guaranteed regardless,” Brown commented. “They generate immense sales. Their brand is incredibly powerful. I doubt significant changes will occur without major legal intervention. Otherwise, they will simply press onward.”
Although Aspinall has publicly expressed frustration with the waiting period for Jones, Brown remains skeptical that Aspinall is truly prepared to abandon pursuing that particular fight.
Despite Aspinall`s public statements in interviews and on social media, Brown is confident that the UFC has likely reassured him that the fight against Jones *will* eventually take place. Brown argues Aspinall would have already accepted a different opponent otherwise.
“We aren`t privy to the specifics of the behind-the-scenes discussions,” Brown noted. “We don`t know what Jon`s side or Aspinall`s side has communicated. I do give Aspinall the benefit of the doubt; if he genuinely didn`t believe the Jon Jones fight was a possibility, he likely would have accepted another bout.”
He contrasted this with the situation involving Michael Chandler and Conor McGregor, saying, “I was more certain about the Chandler scenario because it seemed to me he was waiting for something with very slim chances of happening, which only diminished over time. He was hoping for a faint possibility, whereas Aspinall has a valid reason to wait for Jon. Jon is still competing, he still has career goals, and he has essentially stated his price, indicating `I`ll fight him, I just need the appropriate figure.`”
Ultimately, Brown anticipates a deal will be reached, as Jones is motivated to further his legacy and a fight against Aspinall presents an excellent opportunity to do so.
In contrast to Conor McGregor, whose return to competition is uncertain, Brown is confident that Jones still has more fights in him, and Aspinall represents the most significant and best available opponent.
“Jon is fundamentally a fighter,” Brown stated. “He`s not like Conor – and Conor is a fighter, I`m not minimizing that – but Jon is a completely different kind of individual. He`s a fierce competitor. He genuinely desires to compete. You can just sense it. He wants to fight. I believe Conor felt that way at one point, but it`s quite clear he hasn`t had that same drive recently.”
“Furthermore, there are no other significant opponents for Jon,” Brown concluded. “If he intends to continue competing, his fight is against Tom, end of story. There are no other viable alternatives. So, I understand why Tom is waiting. I genuinely do, and I believe if Aspinall had other compelling options and wasn`t reasonably confident the fight with Jon would happen, he would have accepted other matchups.”
