I’m a UFC Hall of Famer who fought Jon Jones twice, he’s not afraid of Tom Aspinall – it’s all about the money

Jon Jones will only put his UFC heavyweight title on the line against rival Tom Aspinall if he’s paid the big bucks.

That’s according to his former foe Alexander Gustafsson, who locked horns with Jones twice during his UFC heyday – losing two blockbuster light-heavyweight title fights in 2013 and 2018.

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‘The Mauler’s’ encounters with the 37-year-old are among the greatest fights Dana White’s promotion has ever witnessed.

In fact, his first meeting with Jones was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2020, as it is regarded as one of the greatest light-heavyweight title fights in the promotion’s history.

UFC fans are eagerly awaiting Jones’ next fight announcement, with 31-year-old Briton Tom Aspinall the standout candidate.

Aspinall is the interim heavyweight champion, having earned the status by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in 2023.

He has cleared out the heavyweight division en route to its summit since making his UFC debut in 2020, but his calls for an undisputed fight with Jones are yet to be answered.

“I believe [Aspinall] is a fight he has to take,” Gustafsson said, speaking to Sveacasino.se.

“That is his next fight. You can’t take away what he’s done before, whether he fights Aspinall or not, what he’s done is just amazing. 

“But it’s still a fight he needs to take.”

Jones is currently in negotiations with UFC President White regarding his next, and possibly final MMA fight.

He has publicly admitted that he would prefer a ‘legacy’ defining fight with UFC light-heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, as he is done fighting ‘dangerous up-and-comers’, and instead wants ‘established champions’.

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However, White offered a rare guarantee in December that Jones would fight Aspinall this year to unify his heaviest division.

Rumours have circulated in the combat sports world that Jones is after the biggest payday of his UFC career in order to get in the octagon with Aspinall, and Gustafsson agrees.

“He knows Aspinall is dangerous,” Gustafsson added. “I think it’s a matter of what his payday is.

“I don’t think that guy is scared of anybody. He’s been fighting everybody. He’s demolished everyone. He’s like me – 38 so we’re getting old – he needs to get paid. 

“That’s also a hard fight to call. I think Aspinall is dangerous in many ways. Jon Jones’ fighting IQ is just over the top. So it’s hard. 

“I can’t pick a winner or loser, but it would be a hell of a fight. Aspinall’s cage experience could absolutely factor. Also you’re not fighting for the belt, you’re fighting for Jon Jones. 

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“Beating him is even bigger than having that belt around your waist so that’s also a factor. A mentality factor. You’re fighting the goat. 

“Cyril Gane wasn’t ready. When you are fighting Jon Jones, you need to be ready, you need to be prepared mentally for a fight like that.”

Jones won UFC heavyweight gold by submitting Ciryl Gane in one round on his return to MMA in March 2023.

He defended his belt for the first time against the now-retired Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last November.

Gustafsson, meanwhile, left the UFC in 2022 and has since joined MMA’s newest promotion the Global Fight League (GFL).

He is fighting for Team London, alongside the likes of UFC legend Benson Henderson, and Brits Mike Grundy and Stuart Austin.

Gustafsson explained that fighting for the new promotion gives him a ‘new feeling’ compared to the UFC.

“I think it’s very interesting to be involved with GFL,” he remarked. “We have the finals. We are not only representing London but the whole of Europe.

“I think it’s a cool thing. I think they’re doing some great stuff, and I’m looking forward to it. 

“I’ve been raised in the UFC so for me to do this is different. It’s a new feeling for me so I’m really looking forward to it; to see how it works and how it’s going to go.”

The new GFL promotion is expected to launch in April and has also signed ex-UFC stars Tyron Woodley and Tony Ferguson.