UFC superstar Jon Jones reportedly rejected a purse worth $45 million when he skipped out on a fight against Tom Aspinall – and effectively made this Sunday’s UFC 319 blockbuster the most anticipated headliner of 2025.

After months of anticipation, UFC 319 finally explodes in Chicago this weekend via an exciting card set to be headlined by South Africa’s middleweight king Dricus du Plessis and undefeated Chechnyan bogeyman Khamzat Chimaev

After fronting consecutive world title fights in Australia, du Plessis is now set for the first American headliner of his career.

UFC 319: Du Plessis vs Chimaev | SUN 17 AUG 12PM AEST | UFC Middleweight champion Dricus Du Plessis puts his title on the line against undefeated Khamzat Chimaev. | Order Now with Main Event on Kayo Sports.

DDP late, Khamzat early? – Volk predicts | 02:24

Sunday’s massive card will cap a crazy week for MMA, with UFC boss Dana White not only confirming a new $7.7 billion US broadcasting deal, but that a White House lawn card now appears certain for next July.

While du Plessis already boasts a string of huge scalps – think Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker and Sean Strickland twice – there is no doubting the unbeaten Chimaev (14-0) shapes as his toughest challenge

Currently, the challenger is the $1.42 TAB favourite for UFC 319, with du Plessis wider at $2.85.

The bout continues one of the sport’s most unlikely rises – and, indeed, title reigns – given the South African’s awkward fighting style has been branded goofy, ugly, even likened to a gorilla on rollerskates.

Regardless, DDP is now set to headline the most anticipated headliner of 2025 following last month’s bombshell announcement that Jones — arguably the greatest MMA fighter ever – was retiring.

The decision effectively cruelled what was being touted as the biggest UFC heavyweight fight ever – a showdown between Jones and breakout UK superstar Aspinall.

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Jon Jones and Tom AspinallSource: FOX SPORTS

Immediately, UFC fans accused Jones of ducking, especially given the Pom had owned the interim title for 18 months.

While Aspinall has since been awarded the heavyweight crown, Jones is still being called out for not only avoiding the fight, but having initially bypassed the No.1 contender for a showdown with 38-year-old former champ Stipe Miocic.

Speaking this week on the Impaulsive podcast, longtime MMA journalist Ariel Helwani effectively confirmed the ducking claims while also revealing Jones had been offered a UFC purse worth US$30 million.

When converted, the deal would have been valued at $45 million Australian dollars.

Asked about potentially avoiding Aspinall, Helwani said of Jones: “He didn’t want to fight him.

“I think it was a calculated decision on his part.

“Why did you drag this out all the way until June when you knew you weren’t going to fight him?

“He gave the UFC a number.

“I believe it’s in the $30 million range for this fight.

“And by the way, I think he deserves it.

“He didn’t think they would come up with the number, and they did.

“I believe Saudi Arabia was involved.

“The big dogs were involved.

“He said yes, and then two days later he said, ‘Nah, on second thought, I’m out’.

“I think he was hoping they would not meet the number and he could go, ‘Hey guys, I tried’.”