Summary of "The W.A.D.E. Concept - Jon Jones Is Making The UFC Look Like CLOWNS.. And They're Letting It Happen"

Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Host: Chael Sonnen
Episode Title: The W.A.D.E. Concept - Jon Jones Is Making The UFC Look Like CLOWNS.. And They're Letting It Happen
Release Date: May 26, 2025
Produced By: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume

Introduction

In this compelling episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, Chael Sonnen delves deep into the tumultuous state of the UFC's heavyweight division. The primary focus centers on Jon Jones, one of the sport's most enigmatic figures, and his significant impact on the promotion's heavyweight landscape.

The Heavyweight Standstill

Chael Sonnen opens the discussion by highlighting a perplexing scenario within the UFC: "We have two heavyweight champions of the world in the UFC right now and neither of them are fighting." [01:03] This unusual standoff is primarily attributed to Jon Jones' reluctance to engage in scheduled bouts, specifically his hesitance to face Tom Aspinall. Sonnen argues that while fans and media often place the blame on Jones, the UFC itself bears a substantial portion of responsibility for the division's paralysis.

Jon Jones: The Greatest Fighter Yet the Biggest Issue

Sonnen lauds Jon Jones as "the greatest fighter it’s ever lived, point blank period. To me opinion." [02:20] Despite Jones' unparalleled skill and legacy, his current actions—or lack thereof—are causing significant disruptions within the UFC. Chael criticizes Jones for "not getting ready for a fight" and "not representing the UFC as their heavyweight champion." [02:50] Instead of training and preparing for title defenses, Jones is reportedly enjoying a luxurious lifestyle in Thailand, engaging in non-fighting activities that, according to Sonnen, undermine the sport's integrity.

The UFC's Mismanagement

Sonnen shifts the blame squarely onto the UFC, stating that the organization is "letting it happen" [01:03] by not taking decisive action against Jon Jones. He draws a parallel to the 2017 situation with Georges St-Pierre (GSP), where the UFC swiftly stripped GSP of his middleweight title after he indicated a desire to take time off. This decisive move allowed the division to flourish, leading to rivalries like Robert Whittaker vs. Israel Adesanya, which Sonnen credits for building stars and maintaining the middleweight division's vitality. In contrast, the UFC's indecisiveness with Jones is causing stagnation in the heavyweight division.

The Impact on Tom Aspinall

Central to the episode is the discussion about Tom Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, whose career trajectory has been significantly hindered by the heavyweight standstill. Sonnen laments that Aspinall has been "almost a year inactive" [12:56] with "no prospects of anything apart from wait." [13:02] This prolonged inactivity not only stalls Aspinall's rise but also damages his momentum and potential stardom within the sport.

Theories Behind the Stalemate

Chael Sonnen offers several theories to explain the ongoing impasse between Jon Jones and the UFC:

1. Television Rights Negotiations: Sonnen speculates that the UFC might be leveraging the Jones-Aspinall fight to bolster their negotiations for new TV rights, considering the star power Jones brings. He suggests that "they have a lot of things up their sleeve" [06:00], potentially delaying the fight to secure a more lucrative TV deal.

2. Financial Negotiations: There's a possibility that Jon Jones is using his bargaining power to demand exorbitant money for his return, with Sonnen questioning if the UFC is either "not willing to match what Jon wants" [07:45] or simply unable to meet his demands.

3. Strategic Delay Tactics: Sonnen posits that the UFC might be adopting a "hurry up and wait" strategy, delaying the fight to strategically position it for maximum impact once new contracts or deals are in place.

The Future of the Heavyweight Division

Sonnen emphasizes the importance of a vibrant heavyweight division, arguing that it "should be your most important division" [10:15] within the UFC. He believes that a strong heavyweight division has the potential to be the most casual, fan-friendly, and lucrative, given the inherent appeal of heavyweight fighters as the "baddest man on the planet." However, the current impasse is preventing the division from reaching its full potential, with Sonnen frustrated by the UFC's inability to prioritize long-term growth over short-term gains.

Comparisons to Other Divisions and Fighters

Drawing comparisons to other divisions, Sonnen reflects on how decisive actions by the UFC in the past have fostered strong rivalries and star development. He contrasts this with the current situation in the heavyweight division, where indecision is stifling progress. Additionally, Sonnen touches on the broader impact of Jon Jones' actions, suggesting that the UFC's handling of the situation could set a precedent for future fighters and divisions.

Predictions and Conclusions

Sonnen makes a bold prediction: "Jon Jones retires." [04:00] He believes that Jones' recent statements and actions indicate a waning interest in fighting, potentially signaling the end of his illustrious career barring significant changes in negotiations or circumstances. Sonnen concludes by reiterating his frustration with the UFC's handling of the situation, emphasizing that the responsibility lies not just with Jones but also heavily with the promotion’s management and strategic decisions.

Notable Quotes

• Chael Sonnen on Jon Jones' Status:
  "Jon Jones is the greatest fighter it's ever lived, point blank period." [02:20]

• On UFC's Handling of Champions:
  "The UFC is not doing anything about it. Do we not remember back in 2017 when Georges St. Pierre was stripped of the middleweight belt?" [06:30]

• On Tom Aspinall's Career:
  "Having Tom on the sidelines waiting and waiting while you go back and forth with Jon Jones... will absolutely destroy the heavyweight division." [14:00]

• Bold Prediction:
  "My boldest prediction of 2025 is that Jon Jones retires." [04:00]

Final Thoughts

Chael Sonnen's in-depth analysis paints a concerning picture of the UFC's heavyweight division, attributing much of the current stagnation to both Jon Jones and the promotion's strategic missteps. By comparing past successful management of champions to the present deadlock, Sonnen underscores the need for decisive action to rejuvenate the division and foster the growth of emerging stars like Tom Aspinall. The episode serves as a critical examination of the interplay between fighter autonomy, organizational strategy, and the broader implications for the sport of MMA.