Calls to strip Jon Jones of his UFC heavyweight title have gained significant momentum, with a petition surpassing 100,000 signatures as fans grow frustrated by the lack of progress surrounding his next fight. Since defeating Stipe Miocic last November to defend his belt, Jones has yet to schedule a title defense, creating uncertainty about the future of the UFC heavyweight championship.
Ongoing Delay in Scheduling Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Fight
Following Jones’ victory over Miocic at UFC 295, UFC president Dana White promised a unification bout with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall would be forthcoming. However, more than six months on, no official agreement between the fighters has been reached, with Jones appearing to distance himself from the proposed matchup. Fans and industry insiders alike are growing impatient as hopes for a unification clash fade.
In response to Jones’ prolonged absence from the Octagon and his refusal to finalize a fight with Aspinall, supporters initiated a petition on Change.org in early May demanding that the UFC strip Jones of his title if he does not face Aspinall soon. The petition, created just two weeks ago, has rapidly gained traction and currently holds over 108,000 signatures, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among MMA followers.
Jon Jones’ Reaction and Focus on Other Opponents
Jones himself addressed the petition earlier this week when it had about 40,000 supporters, referencing his 2019 failed drug test in a dismissive manner: “The equivalent to pico grams,” he joked. His comments suggest little concern over fan calls for him to defend the belt or relinquish it.
At his post-fight press conference after UFC 295, Jones downplayed the threat posed by Aspinall, saying,
“I feel like Tom Aspinall is – I don’t want to say nobody – but he hasn’t proven anything, he hasn’t done anything.”
He rejected the idea of handing Aspinall a platform to elevate his career, explaining,
“I’m not here to gamble on someone else making a name off of me.”
Instead, Jones expressed a stronger interest in facing former middleweight and light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, a fighter he views as a more worthy opponent for both financial and legacy reasons. He noted,
“Alex Pereira and I, we’re both 37 years old. Right now I weigh about 235 [pounds]. I’m an incredibly light heavyweight,”
and added,
“
I think Pereira walks around at 240. I think that fight would go much farther on my legacy than a young man who’s cool today and maybe gone tomorrow.
”
Signs of Career Uncertainty and Future Plans
Jones has recently hinted at underlying doubts about his career’s direction. He was caught on camera telling a friend that his fighting tenure may be over, amplifying questions about his commitment to continuing as UFC heavyweight champion. Furthermore, he shared a cryptic update on social media indicating he has already communicated his intentions to the UFC but expressed confusion over the organization’s silence. He tweeted,
“
Y’all barkin’ up the wrong tree, I told the UFC my plans a long time ago,
”
followed by,
“
I have no clue why they haven’t shared them with you guys yet.
”
Impact of the Stalemate on UFC and Fan Base
The ongoing delay in confirming a title defense or stripping Jones is causing frustration throughout the MMA community. UFC’s heavyweight division remains in limbo, with the interim champion Tom Aspinall awaiting a unification bout that now seems increasingly uncertain. This uncertainty not only dampens fan enthusiasm but also stalls the division’s progression and potential matchmaking.
As notable figures like Michael Bisping and Paddy Pimblett continue to participate in the conversation surrounding Jones’ future and the division’s state, the pressure on the UFC to act grows louder. The petition reflects a clear demand for decisive action to resolve the dispute and allow the heavyweight belt to move forward, either through a fight with Aspinall, a different contender like Pereira, or by the UFC making a formal decision on the title.