AJ knows that if he steps aside, he will lose his prime position to get revenge and get his titles back which may leave him in the wilderness for years.

It also sends out a message to his challengers that AJ is finished and done as a top fighter. That he has no confidence in himself and prefers to take the money than the challenge.

AJ can avenge his loss and be in a strong negotiating position when he eventually faces Tyson Fury. That fight will eventually happen one way or another. It is a huge domestic battle that we have been waiting for years.

It would go against AJ's legacy, hit his finances and impact on his performance because he will be less active if he takes the step aside money.