Chael Sonnen: Verbal Agreement Between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall

MMA analyst Chael Sonnen asserts that the fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall is practically confirmed.

The potential heavyweight clash between champion Jon Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall has been a major topic in MMA for over a year. Now, Chael Sonnen suggests the question is not if it will happen, but when.

Sonnen explained to Submission Radio that Alex Pereira was considered as a backup opponent to pressure Jones into accepting the Aspinall fight. A Pereira vs. Aspinall bout would be a strong alternative if the Jones fight doesn`t materialize.

Sonnen claims, citing inside information, that a verbal agreement between Jones and Aspinall was reached the night before the Pereira vs. Ankalaev fight.

Sonnen`s statement aligns with recent remarks from Dana White, who indicated the fight is just awaiting finalization, and Aspinall`s optimistic stance. However, despite the positive signs, the fight isn`t official, possibly due to Jones reportedly wanting six months for preparation, or, as Sonnen suggests, Jones getting caught up in his own statements.

Sonnen doubts Jones genuinely needs six months to prepare, suggesting Jones`s initial statement about the timeframe wasn`t seriously intended but has now become a widely discussed point.

Sonnen believes Jones`s demand for $30 million previously and now the six-month preparation time were initially just offhand remarks that have gained traction, now potentially forcing Jones to adhere to them.

Sonnen advises fighters to secure their earnings quickly. He argues that delaying the fight by six months won`t change the outcome; the better fighter will ultimately win, regardless of when the fight occurs.

Dana White previously suggested a summer fight, contradicting Jones`s supposed six-month requirement. Sonnen notes that a November date in New York, during the UFC`s annual event there, would align well if the verbal agreement and Jones`s timeframe are accurate.

Sonnen predicts the fight will happen this year, specifically in November in New York, aligning with UFC`s typical schedule and New York`s record-breaking gate revenue for UFC events.