Jon Jones hints at potential exhibition matches, leaving fans questioning his future with Tom Aspinall and the UFC.
Jon Jones, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, has dismissed the notion that his career comes down to only two choices: facing Tom Aspinall or retiring from fighting altogether. Despite growing anticipation for a unification bout with Aspinall, Jones continues to leave this possibility open-ended, fueling debates about the future of the heavyweight division. This ongoing uncertainty comes as the heavyweight title landscape remains unsettled, with fans eager to see the champion face his interim counterpart.
Jones Considers Leaving UFC for Exhibition Matches
In a recent conversation on the DeepCut podcast with VicBlends, Jones spoke candidly about options beyond traditional UFC competition. Rather than addressing the expectation to unify the heavyweight titles, he highlighted the chance of stepping away from the UFC and participating in exhibition fights. He stated,
“You know, I don’t know what life holds as far as fighting and competing,”
and added,
“I do feel like I will be a lifelong martial artist, whether I’m coaching others or taking exhibition matches.”
Jones emphasized his perspective on having diverse opportunities, saying,
“There’s a lot of great competition in the UFC, [but] I do view myself as more than a fighter. Being in my position, I feel like I have a lot more options than a lot of the other fighters as far as the ability to leave and return, and things like that.”
This approach aligns somewhat with Floyd Mayweather Jr., who after retiring professionally took part in several exhibition bouts with a variety of opponents outside conventional professional boxing. It appears Jones may be open to exploring similar avenues that mix competition with flexibility.
Growing Fan Frustration Sparks Petition Against Jones
While Jon Jones retains a committed fanbase, the impatience of many MMA followers has surfaced amid his reluctance to face the interim champion, Tom Aspinall. Calls for a resolution prompted the creation of an online petition demanding UFC strip Jones of his heavyweight title. The petition outlines dissatisfaction with Jones’ inactivity, noting his status as
Image of: Jon Jones
“the longest reigning champion in UFC heavyweight history”
despite having competed only twice during this reign.
According to the petition,
“There is a clear interim champion, Tom Aspinall, who has defended his interim championship belt. Aspinall is ready to fight Jones. Jones refuses to fight him.”
It further urges,
“Therefore, we as fans must let Dana White know: It is time to strip Jon Jones of the heavyweight title. He clearly has no intentions of fighting anytime soon.”
Since its inception, the petition has rapidly gained momentum, approaching 150,000 signatures as fans express growing frustration over the stalled heavyweight title unification.
The Uncertain Path Ahead for Jon Jones and UFC Heavyweight Division
Jon Jones’ indications that he might pursue fights outside the UFC spotlight, combined with his avoidance of a match with Tom Aspinall, add complexity to the heavyweight title’s future. Fans and fighters alike watch closely as discussions over unification and championship legitimacy intensify. With mounting pressure from supporters and critics through platforms like petitions, the UFC is expected to make pivotal decisions regarding the champion’s status.
Jones’ openness to exhibition bouts suggests a potential shift in how elite fighters prolong their careers, moving beyond traditional competitive formats. This could reshape not only his own trajectory but also influence how the sport accommodates its top talents in the years ahead.
