Former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has expressed regret over how his planned fight with interim champion Tom Aspinall fell apart, admitting he was “wrong” in how the situation unfolded and that he hopes to reconcile with UFC president Dana White.
Jones, who has been sidelined since suffering a shoulder injury in 2023, revealed that he had previously discussed a fight with Aspinall that never came to fruition. The matchup was considered one of the most anticipated in recent UFC history, with reports suggesting that Jones was offered a deal worth up to $30 million to make the bout happen.
“My most immediate goal is to try and get on the White House card,” said Jones on the No Scripts podcast. “I’m forever grateful for Dana and everything he’s done for me. I want to apologise to him so that we can let bygones be bygones. I was wrong, and I can admit that.”
Jones’ comments mark a significant change in tone after months of tension with UFC management. White had previously criticised Jones for his handling of negotiations and his decision to withdraw from the Aspinall fight, calling the collapse of the matchup one of the most disappointing moments of his career as a promoter.
White has since cast doubt on whether the fight will ever happen, describing the odds as “a billion to one.” He suggested that lingering trust issues and Jones’ recent inactivity have made any potential reconciliation difficult, though he did not close the door entirely on a return for the former champion.
Looking ahead, Jones has stated that he remains focused on returning to the Octagon in 2026, with the historic White House card among his targets. There has also been speculation about a potential superfight between Jones and current light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, though no agreement has been made.
In Jones’ absence, Tom Aspinall has been elevated to undisputed heavyweight champion, effectively moving the division forward after months of uncertainty. He faced the first defence of his crown at UFC 321 last month, in a bout that ended in a no-contest following an accidental eye poke by Aspinall’s opponent, Ciyrl Gane.
