Tom Aspinall won a whopping $200,000 purse just for being willing to watch Jon Jones’ victory over Stipe Miocic.

“Bones” made his heavyweight return and his first defense CFU title against American veteran Miocic at Madison Square Garden.

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British star Aspinall, who currently holds the interim title, was campaigning for a chance against Jones, but the champion selected Miocic as his final fight.

As a result, Aspinall was declared as emergency by the UFC, and was cageside during the event, ready to intervene at short notice if any of the fighters were injured or had to withdraw.

It was unnecessary, however, as Jones recorded another sensational victory by stopping Miocic with a thunderous kick to continue his invincibility streak.

On his latest Fight Night vlog, Aspinall’s camera flashed to a conversation with UFC head matchmaker Hunter Campbell.

He had asked if he could grab a beer with just a few hours until the main attraction left.

Campbell hilariously responded, “For $200,000, I’d really appreciate it if he could wait for Jon/Stipe to work.

“I would kill myself if I said yes and something happened.”

Aspinall has been so eager to fight Jones in recent weeks, and he probably would have even entered the octagon regardless of his drinking.

Fortunately it was not needed and Aspinall was spared a night of fighting, although he had weighed in and nonetheless looked in brilliant form.

Jones changed his verdict several times on whether he would fight the contender, who won the interim belt with a victory over Sergei Pavlovich in November 2023.

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In his post-fight interview, the pound-for-pound superstar suggested he would need significant compensation to agree to fight Aspinall.

And speaking later after his knockout victory, Jones went on to suggest he’d rather fight Alex Pereira and would even consider rescinding the title.

He admitted: “I’m more worried about the (Alex) Pereira fight. That’s what I really want to do.

“And I think if the UFC wants to get me back, then I think that’s the fight they’ll make.

“I’ve been very clear about my intentions, and that’s what I want. I think everyone will understand that point.

“I’ll retire without the heavyweight belt if I have it too. Give the guy what he wants. I’m at a place now where I want to be in superfights.

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“I don’t want to fight dangerous up-and-comers anymore, I want to fight established champions.

“Tom can win the heavyweight championship if he wants. I’ve created something much bigger and I want Pereira.”