Dana White confidently guarantees that the highly anticipated fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall will happen in 2025, despite Jones’ public hesitations, and expects it to be one of the biggest events in UFC history.
Dana White’s confidence in orchestrating the Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall fight has always been high. Now, he’s taken it up a notch.
After the final UFC event of the year in Tampa, White made a bold promise. He guaranteed that Jones vs. Aspinall will go down in 2025 and expects it to shatter records when these two champions face off.
“Yeah, I’ll say 100 percent [guaranteed],” White declared about the matchup. “It’s probably the biggest fight in heavyweight history, and a monumental one for the company, too. It’s huge.”
White’s proclamation is daring. He rarely shows such confidence without a contract in place, highlighting the significance of this clash heading into the New Year.
Before Jones dominated Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, White anticipated that the winner would face Aspinall next. Despite Jones’ decisive victory, he seemed more interested in battling Alex Pereira instead.
White quickly dismissed those plans, remaining firm that Jones will eventually agree to fight Aspinall, regardless of his public comments.
“It’s weird,” White remarked about Jones’ behavior. “Usually fighters say that stuff privately, not publicly. But Jon? He’s unique—says it out loud but not behind closed doors.”
Jones criticizes the fight due to Aspinall’s limited big fight experience. He believes a win wouldn’t significantly enhance his legacy.
Aspinall boasts an impressive 8-1 UFC record but has only participated in two interim title bouts. This pales next to Jones’ nearly flawless record with 16 championship wins.
Still, Aspinall is seen as the top heavyweight today, known for his explosive finishes—only one of his UFC victories went beyond the first round.
Despite Jones’ public protests, White remains convinced that when it comes down to it, they’ll seal the deal for a fight before 2025 ends.
“From day one, I’ve believed Jon would take this fight,” White asserted. “Even before he won, I was sure he’d do it. Jon isn’t afraid of anyone—that’s a fact. The only odd moment was when his camp did that bizarre Chael Sonnen thing on short notice—not him.”
“But honestly, that was the goofiest move ever in UFC history. Besides that, Jon doesn’t turn down fights behind the scenes.”