“If Tom Aspinall is the interim heavyweight champion and Jon Jones decides to step away from fighting, he can do that. He could take a year off, return, and still fight for the title. He has that freedom,” said UFC color commentator and renowned podcaster Joe Rogan earlier this week, leaving the fight world buzzing with speculation. Fans are eagerly awaiting ‘Bones’ much-anticipated return to the Octagon, where he’s expected to close out his legendary career in a blockbuster heavyweight unification bout against Tom Aspinall, with rumors swirling about a $30 million fight purse.

However, Joe Rogan was quick to debunk those rumors, labeling the “30 million” claim as “bullsh-t” and revealing that Dana White personally denied its validity. Since the podcaster’s clarification, the MMA community has been on high alert for more credible insights, and fighter-turned-analyst Chael Sonnen recently weighed in on the matter. In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Sonnen aligned with Rogan’s perspective, emphasizing Jon Jones’ unique status in the sport.

“Joe (Rogan) said something else that I really liked: Rogan believes Jon Jones can come back at any time. Joe is right—Jon Jones could walk back into the Octagon after one year, three years, or whenever, and if Tom Aspinall isn’t champion at that time, Jon Jones’ next fight would be for the heavyweight title,” Sonnen explained.

In recent years, Tom Aspinall has solidified his status as a rising star and dominant force in the UFC heavyweight division. Holding the interim heavyweight title for over a year, Aspinall has successfully defended it in impressive fashion, including a victory over Curtis Blaydes. With eight UFC bouts under his belt and only one loss, he is currently on a three-fight win streak, highlighted by avenging his previous defeat to Blaydes during his first interim title defense.

Speculation within the MMA community suggests that Jon Jones may be deliberately steering clear of Aspinall, a fighter six years his junior and widely regarded as a formidable threat in the division. However, a former UFC champion offers a different take on the situation. Let’s dive in.

Michael Bisping is certain Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall will happen

Michael Bisping has full confidence in Dana White’s assurance to fans that the much-anticipated heavyweight showdown between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall is “100%” confirmed. While rumors point to the fight potentially taking place in the summer, UFC officials seem to be targeting that period for the bout. However, despite some differing opinions, including Tom Aspinall’s, the MMA community is divided into two factions: those who believe the fight will happen and those who doubt it.

UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping is among those who strongly believe the fight will happen, undeterred by Joe Rogan’s recent comments. Speaking with Mike Heck, ‘The Count’ expressed his optimism about the matchup, stating, “I definitely believe the fight will happen this year. It seems like Jones is up for it, it seems like the UFC wants it to happen. They said to Tom Aspinall [that] it’s a done deal, that it’s going to happen. It would be such a shame if that fight didn’t happen. I think it’s going to happen, International Fight Week, Las Vegas 2025.”

How do you feel about Chael Sonnen‘s remarks regarding Joe Rogan? With the heavyweight title still in dispute for over a year, do you think Dana White will further delay a resolution? Is there a risk to MMA’s integrity if Dana White allows Jon Jones to continue holding the title? Share your thoughts below.