It's true that Jon can carry a card on his own. It's also true though that the UFC has all the PPV numbers and data that come with Stipe Miocic as well. Is it really a question of who's more proven as a draw between Stipe and Tom? UFC has data none of us have access too to make proper analysis. We just have to look at their actions and come up with our own theories.
It's wild to me how they don't have Aspinall headlining in what should be a finish within 2 rounds in his fight with Blaydes over a 5 round point fest between Leon and Belal. Maybe Leon is just this huge draw and I'm making the wrong conclusions.
Always though, UFC is going to make the final decisions. None of these fights ever happen without them signing off on them and approving them and making them with mostly what they want to do. We can put some blame on Jones and Stipe but my ire is always directed towards the UFC when it comes to these types of things.
I do believe Jon and Tom will happen if they both win their upcoming fights. It's possible Jon retires but I think he has pressure on him to destroy Tom and he might even see it might affect his legacy in the eyes of fans if he doesn't. I could be way off. The narrative of being scared is always hilarious to me. Anyone who has ever competed in anything always understands there's a possibility of losing. It doesn't stop you from competing.