Are we seriously still talking about the Jon Jones-Tom Aspinall saga? Haven’t we danced on the same tune with ‘Bones’ and just about every other contender for the past year? It’s like clockwork, big fight teased, drama over pay, UFC boss’s reassurance, rinse and repeat. This time, though, verbose analyst Chael Sonnen has tossed another log into the fire. This time, it’s about his bold claim about what’s the money situation regarding the fight, particularly, Tom Aspinall’s financial demands.

“Tom is done,” Sonnen claimed bluntly. “He’s looking to get about a quarter million dollar guarantee, and I believe he’ll be given participation, though he’s not technically owed it.” According to ‘The Bad Guy’, the Englishman’s interim champion status means he’s not automatically entitled to those lucrative pay-per-view points, even though he’s holding a belt. Sounds unfair? Maybe. But Sonnen adds, “If somebody got real technical, they’d be right. You might not like it, but they’d be right.”

Honestly, does anyone else feel like they’ve seen this movie before? Let’s rewind to Jones-Ngannou or the infamous Stipe Miocic bout. Every time a Jon Jones fight is in the works, there’s drama. At times, it’s regarding pay issues, retirement rumors, or some other headline-grabbing distraction. Now, with the Englishman stepping up as the next challenger, the story isn’t much different.

And amongst all this chaos and uncertainty, Dana White has already promised fans that this fight is “100-percent guaranteed” for 2025, brushing off speculation about Jones retiring and not getting his “f*** you money.” But Aspinall’s pay guarantee has added a fresh twist to the tale. Why the hold-up? Is it that hard for the UFC to acknowledge one of the most exciting fighters in the heavyweight division?

But wait, what’s the GOAT’s demand if Tom is expecting the said paycheck? The reigning heavyweight champion reportedly wants $30 million for this fight. Is it a ridiculous demand? Sure. But is it entirely unjustified? Not really.

Is the GOAT’s pay demands secure while Tom Aspinall is left fighting for scraps?

Jon Jones’ resume speaks for itself. Dominance across two weight classes and an undefeated streak, disqualifications aside. Even UFC commentator and former arch–nemesis Daniel Cormier chimed in on Jones’ $30 million demand, admitting that while he’s unlikely to get the full amount, it’s not entirely unreasonable. After all, Jones isn’t just a fighter, he’s a brand, and a fight against Tom Aspinall would likely rake in millions.

But will the UFC give Aspinall a piece of that pie? Or will the interim champ have to fight for scraps while Jones cashes in on another legacy fight? “This fight doesn’t happen without Tom Aspinall. This fight isn’t interesting or exciting without him,” Sonnen quipped. And maybe ‘The American Gangster’ is not wrong. Aspinall, at just 31, has injected new life into the heavyweight division. So why does it feel like we’re stuck in the same old loop?

At its core, this isn’t just about two fighters stepping into the Octagon. It’s about the UFC’s pay structure and how it continues to stir controversy. Sonnen’s insight paints a clear picture,  the UFC has to balance its responsibilities to shareholders with the expectations of fighters and fans. “Make sure you understand,” Sonnen said, “the way it reads is pretty clear. You get pay-per-view participation if you are defending a championship. Even though Tom is champion, he will not be defending the interim championship.”

Translation? Aspinall’s belt might not just guarantee him the same perks as Jones’. And that’s the real fight, one that happens outside the Octagon. Don’t you think it all comes down to the earnings of these bouts? What do you think? How much is this fight really worth? And is a bigger paycheck guaranteed to the reigning ‘undisputed’ champion? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!