Dana White threatens to strip Jon Jones of his title as negotiations for the fight with Tom Aspinall stall

The UFC’s heavyweights are set to clash in what could be one of the biggest matchups in the sport’s history. However, the eagerly awaited showdown between Jon Jones, the UFC heavyweight champion, and Tom Aspinall, the interim titleholder, is currently on hold due to stalled negotiations. UFC President Dana White has expressed growing frustration over the delays, and it seems he is prepared to take drastic action if an agreement isn’t reached soon.

The High Stakes of the Jones vs. Aspinall Fight

Dana White has been vocal about the significance of this matchup, believing it could be one of the most important fights in UFC history. The fight pits the reigning heavyweight champion, Jon Jones, against Tom Aspinall, a rising star in the division. Aspinall, who secured the interim title, has confirmed his willingness to fight Jones. However, Jon Jones, who last fought in November, defeating Stipe Miocic, has made it clear that he is not eager to face Aspinall. Jones has been vocal about his animosity toward Aspinall, calling him “a piece of sh*t” and expressing his reluctance to work with him.

This tension has led to stalled negotiations between the two camps, and fans are left wondering when and if this highly anticipated fight will take place. White, a longtime figurehead of the UFC, has been under pressure to ensure that the fight happens. In a recent interview with TheMacLife, Dana White addressed the issue, emphasizing how crucial this fight is for both the fighters and the promotion. He stated, “There is no situation. This is the biggest fight we can make. I know fans like to poke at Jon or whatever, but Jon Jones is not scared of anyone, and Jon Jones will fight anyone. The only issue now is getting the deal done.”

White’s Threat to Strip Jones of the Title

Despite White’s optimism for the fight, the ongoing delays have led him to consider more drastic measures. When asked directly whether Jones would be stripped of his heavyweight title if the negotiations continue to stall, Dana White was clear in his response: “100 percent, [Jones will be stripped of the title]. If we don’t get the fight done, we will move on and make another fight happen.”

White went on to explain that the UFC is working diligently behind the scenes to push the deal forward. “I was in the room with the team until six in the morning last night. We are working hard to get things done. We’re doing a lot right now,” he added. However, White’s frustration is evident, and it’s clear that he’s willing to take bold steps if the negotiations drag on further.

Jones’ History with Negotiations and Pay Disputes

This situation is not the first time Jon Jones has been involved in lengthy and contentious contract negotiations. Back in 2020, Jones made headlines when he stated that he would only agree to fight Francis Ngannou, the reigning heavyweight champion at the time, if the UFC agreed to pay him a sum similar to what Deontay Wilder was earning for his boxing bouts. At the time, Wilder was making at least eight figures per fight, and UFC officials were not willing to match that pay.

Jones’ stance on his worth has often been a point of contention in his relationship with the UFC. The issue of fighter compensation is a recurring theme in UFC negotiations, and while many fans and fighters sympathize with Jones’ demands, it has led to delays in booking high-profile matchups.

The Future of the Heavyweight Division

The UFC’s heavyweight division is one of the most exciting in the sport, with several talented fighters vying for the top spot. Jon Jones, after moving up to heavyweight, has dominated the division since his arrival, and Tom Aspinall has emerged as a serious contender. The matchup between these two fighters could solidify the future of the division and set the stage for the next chapter in the UFC’s heavyweight landscape.

However, these negotiations highlight the challenges the UFC faces in securing major matchups. As Dana White pushes to make the fight happen, it remains to be seen whether Jon Jones will agree to terms, or if the UFC will take action by stripping him of the title and moving on to other options.