Jon Jones returned at UFC 309 to successfully defend his heavyweight title for the first time. Jones never seemed to be gone, dominating Stipe Miocic en route to a third-round knockout, answering many questions about his abilities in his still-new division. However, the only answer the MMA world is still waiting for is whether or not he will fight interim UFC champion Tom Aspinall in a unification bout.

The 37-year-old champion made it clear as soon as he won heavyweight gold against Ciryl Gane in early 2023 that Miocic was his big target and that there may not be another once that goal is out of the way. However, Jones left the door open on Saturday night following his win at UFC 309, proclaiming that he is not retiring yet and if UFC negotiations go well, “we might give you guys what you want to see.”

Aspinall has held interim gold for a full year in Jones’ absence, but has been demoted to the squad for the now-concluded legacy clash of UFC 309. Jones (28-1, 1 NC) has not faced the Brit at any turn sold, and despite his immediate post-fight comments seemingly signaling a change in that thinking, Jones reiterated late Saturday that Aspinall is not an option for him — unless the UFC Real makes it worth it for him.

“Just the little bit he does, he annoys me,” Jones said of Aspinall at the UFC 309 post-fight press conference.

“I just don’t like him, and at the end of the day, if I give him the chance to fight me, I want to be compensated for that. I want to say it – I want that damn money, Honestly. And that is exactly what it is. Otherwise my life is perfect without him.

When asked what dollar figure that might mean, Jones’ answer was simple.

“I want to be compensated to the point where whether I win or lose it doesn’t really matter,” he said.

Since Jones’ crowning as heavyweight champion, Aspinall has won a trio of fights in 73 seconds or less. Meanwhile, in Jones’ old stomping ground of light heavyweights, a new legend was born.

In 2024, Brazil’s Alex Pereira finally became the first light heavyweight champion since Jones vacated the title in 2020 to defend the title more than once. Pereira had an all-time great year, winning three title defenses with highlight knockouts. Like Jones, Pereira is a two-division champion, which has intrigued the sport’s best ever more than anything Aspinall has done.

“I’m not really worried about the Tom fight, I’m worried about the Pereira fight,” Jones said. “That’s what I want to do. I think if the UFC wants me back, I think that’s the fight they’re going to make. I’ve been very clear about my intentions. That’s what I want.”

“I just feel like anyone would understand at this point. I’ll retire the heavyweight belt if I have to. It’s like, dude, give that man what he wants. I feel like I’m in a place now am where I want.” I don’t want to fight dangerous, established champions anymore. So Tom can win the heavyweight championship my body is no longer in belts. I created something much bigger.”

As interested as Jones is in a superfight between Pereira champion and champion, the same cannot be said for UFC CEO Dana White. The UFC boss has repeatedly dismissed the idea since it first emerged. Even during UFC 309 fight week, White insisted Aspinall was right to wait for the winner of Jones vs. Miocic.

Jones’ victory over former two-time heavyweight champion Miocic at UFC 309 only diminished White’s desire to pair two of his biggest stars.

“You know what I was told tonight? There’s no way I can let Pereira fight,” White said Saturday night. “Jon is an oversized, great wrestler. See how he beat Stipe in that first round? I like Alex Pereira. I like him personally. There’s just no point in fighting that fight.

“If they both want it bad enough and they both chase me or something, maybe I’d do it. Alex Pereira is killing it. Look at his age and what he’s doing now – what’s the reason to get up there and fight a man who is so much bigger than you and such a good wrestler. Money? That’s definitely a reason, but just to be clear, I don’t want to make that kind of money to stay where he is and do what he does: run down the street.

But then again, if they get crazy about me and want to do it, what should I do? They’re grown men, and I’m sure the fans want to see it. I’m sure you want to see it. I think we’ll talk about it.”

If the interim crown atop Aspinall’s head wasn’t enough to bolster his place in the line, the big Englishman was also present at UFC 309 as the main event’s backup fighter.

In response to Jones’ request for a big payday, White noted that Jones would be handsomely compensated if he clashed with Aspinall in what could be a historic showdown.

“It doesn’t have the potential to do it, it’s going to be the biggest heavyweight fight ever,” White said. “It’s probably going to be the biggest fight we’ve ever done.”