Tom Aspinall's $200k Payday As UFC 309 Backup: The Story Behind The Payout

 

The UFC heavyweight division recently witnessed a curious dynamic at UFC 309. Interim champion Tom Aspinall, eager for a shot at unifying the heavyweight title, served as the backup fighter for the highly anticipated clash between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. While he didn’t step into the octagon, leaked texts have revealed that Aspinall walked away with a six-figure paycheck for simply being on standby.

The Leaked Text

Leaked messages reportedly exchanged between UFC matchmaker Hunter Campbell and a member of Aspinall’s team disclosed the arrangement. Aspinall was guaranteed $200,000 for his role as the event's insurance policy. The backup fighter’s job is a precarious one—remaining prepared to step into the spotlight at a moment’s notice while knowing that the opportunity may never arise. Fortunately for Jones and Miocic, the fight went ahead as planned, leaving Aspinall sidelined but significantly richer.

With the fight less than two hours away and the chances of stepping into the octagon still uncertain, the interim champion reached out to UFC matchmaker Hunter Campbell with a simple request: permission to have a drink. However, the response was clear and uncompromising. Campbell replied, "No drinking until they walk out," leaving Aspinall to wait on edge, fully prepared for the slim possibility that his moment could arrive at any second.

“For $200K, I’d very much appreciate it if he can wait until they [Jones and Miocic] walk,” the text read. “I’d kill myself if I said yes and something went wrong.”

The Politics of UFC Heavyweight Matchups

Aspinall’s readiness to fight at UFC 309 kept him close to the spotlight. Yet, his situation highlights a deeper issue within the division: Jon Jones’ hesitance to fight the rising British star. Jones, who remains the undisputed heavyweight champion, has hinted at a preference for lucrative "super fights," such as a rumored bout against light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira. At the UFC 309 post-fight press conference, Jones expressed his demands for “f***k you money” to consider facing Aspinall, indicating that such a matchup would only occur on his terms.

Dana White’s Support for Aspinall

While Jones seems to be playing hardball, UFC President Dana White appears more invested in the idea of a heavyweight unification bout. White’s opposition to a Jones-Pereira fight adds weight to the possibility of Aspinall finally getting his long-awaited opportunity. This backing could shift the momentum in favor of Aspinall, potentially forcing Jones into a title unification showdown.

Is Jon Jones Protecting His Legacy?

Jones’ insistence on a massive payday for a potential fight with Aspinall has raised questions among fans and analysts alike. Some view it as a shrewd negotiation tactic, while others suspect it could be an attempt to avoid a dangerous contender. Aspinall’s combination of speed, size, and skill arguably poses the most significant threat to Jones’ undefeated legacy, making the bout as high-stakes as they come.

The Road Ahead for Aspinall

Despite the frustrations of being a backup fighter, Aspinall’s $200k payday and rising prominence suggest that bigger opportunities are on the horizon. With Dana White in his corner and public support growing, the interim champ seems well-positioned for a major title fight. The question remains: will Jon Jones rise to the occasion, or will the legacy-minded champion retire on his terms?

What do you think? Was Aspinall’s UFC 309 backup role worth the payout, or should he have held out for a guaranteed fight?

Source: Essentially Sports

Photo Credit: UFC