UFC 300 Main Event Set: Jones vs. Aspinall for Undisputed Heavyweight Title
Dana White has confirmed what the MMA world has been clamoring for: Jon Jones will face Tom Aspinall in a heavyweight title unification bout at UFC 300 on June 14 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The card, which White has called "the most stacked in UFC history," will settle the division's most contentious debate.
The Matchup
Jones (28-1, 1 NC) returns to the Octagon holding the undisputed heavyweight title, won in dominant fashion against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295. Now 38, the fighter many consider the greatest of all time faces questions about inactivity — he hasn't competed in 14 months — and the inevitable effects of age on his extraordinary athleticism.
Aspinall (15-3) holds the interim heavyweight title and has finished every opponent he's faced in the UFC with either a knockout or submission. The 31-year-old Englishman is the betting favorite, a rarity against Jones, thanks to his devastating combination of speed, power, and technical grappling. His average fight time of 6 minutes and 22 seconds speaks to a fighter who doesn't let bouts go to the judges.
The Undercard
UFC 300's supporting bouts read like a greatest hits compilation. The co-main event features Islam Makhachev defending his lightweight title against Ilia Topuria, who moves up from featherweight as the division's knockout artist. Alex Pereira puts his light heavyweight belt on the line against Magomed Ankalaev in a rematch of their controversial draw. And in a women's strawweight title fight, Zhang Weili faces rising contender Tatiana Suarez.
Financial Stakes
The event is expected to shatter pay-per-view records. UFC 229 (Khabib vs. McGregor) holds the current record at 2.4 million buys, but insiders suggest UFC 300 could approach 3 million. Gate revenue from the 20,000-seat T-Mobile Arena is projected at $22 million, with ringside seats listed at $15,000.
Both fighters stand to earn career-high purses. While exact figures haven't been disclosed, industry sources estimate Jones's total compensation (including PPV points) will exceed $30 million, with Aspinall earning approximately $10-15 million — a massive jump from his previous highest purse of $1.2 million.
Tickets go on sale April 1. If you're planning to attend, set your alarm — this one will sell out in minutes.
