Does it make sense? Jon Jones explains his refusal of a $160 million offer to fight Tom Aspinall in the UFC.

Jones promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Jon Jones He retired from MMA in June, consequently relinquishing his UFC heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg), but he couldn't shake off... Tom aspinallSo much so that the super fight between the athletes, which remained only in the fans' imagination, has not yet been forgotten. When questioned about the matter, the sports legend opened up and explained why he refused. U.S. $ 30 million (approximately R$ 160 million at the current exchange rate) to confront the 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 are no longer traditional. I don’t think I care about what most fighters care about. Most fighters wouldn’t refuse.” U.S. $ 30 million. They simply wouldn't do that. My goals are different from other people's these days,” said the UFC Hall of Famer while participating in the 'Geoffrey Woo' podcast.

Apology

How Dana White openly expressed his disappointment with the stance of Jon Jones in the negotiation to fight against Tom aspinallThe 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 that Jon Jones What he wants to have in the final stretch of his MMA career is to fight in UFC White House, in front of Donald Trump, President of the United States. At the grand event, which is expected to take place in June or July, the American ranked Alex Poatán, the light heavyweight champion, as the ideal opponent.