Jon Jones has maintained the UFC heavyweight title since March 2023, but his lack of activity is stalling the division, leaving Tom Aspinall, the interim champion, waiting. As of summer 2025, Jones shows no signs of scheduling fights or training camps, causing frustration among fans and fighters alike.

Tom Aspinall earned the interim heavyweight championship in November 2023 after stepping in for Jones, who was sidelined with a severe injury. Now, Aspinall remains in limbo while Jones delays any attempts to unify the titles, creating a significant pause in the division’s momentum.

Jon Jones’ Journey Since Winning the Heavyweight Title

Jon Jones captured the UFC heavyweight title in March 2023, followed by a lengthy recovery from a torn pectoral muscle suffered during sparring with Stipe Miocic later that year. Jones returned to defend his title in November 2024 in a fight against Miocic. Since then, he has been traveling internationally and focusing on business ventures rather than preparing for upcoming bouts.

UFC President Dana White remains optimistic and has assured fans that the unification bout between Jones and Aspinall will eventually happen, despite the current standstill. However, Jones’ inconsistent activity and selective communication have alienated many supporters.

Jones’ reputation for self-sabotage persists, as he seems to prioritize personal interests over fighting regularly. His prolonged inactivity and reluctance to face Aspinall have caused growing unrest in the UFC community.

Controversy Surrounding Jones’ Title Retention and Interim Champion

After Jones’ injury in November 2023, many expected the UFC to strip him of the title, but instead, the organization allowed him to remain undisputed champion and initiated an interim title fight. Aspinall won that fight and has since defended his interim belt successfully. Jones was then scheduled for a legacy bout against Miocic, widely seen as an easier opponent compared to Aspinall.

Despite defeating Miocic, Jones has avoided agreeing to a unification fight with Aspinall. Instead, Jones has expressed interest in a duel with light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, a move fans view as evasive. His public statements and demands for a high payday mirror tactics used during his previous attempt to fight Francis Ngannou, further frustrating fans and fighters awaiting clarity.

Currently, Jones holds the heavyweight championship for over 800 days with only one title defense, prompting fans and analysts to question if the belt should be vacated to enable active competition.

Why Fans and Fighters Are Growing Frustrated With Jon Jones

Aspinall has become the longest-reigning interim heavyweight champion in UFC history, while Jones holds the record for longest reign as heavyweight champion with minimal defenses. Fans argue that Jones’ refusal to fight undermines the division’s growth and denies Aspinall the opportunity to compete for the undisputed title.

While Jones has earned considerable wealth and acclaim throughout his career, his prolonged absence is costing the division valuable competition and fan engagement. Aspinall, noted for his dynamic style and rising stardom, is in his athletic prime but unable to showcase his skills on the biggest stage.

Many fans believe Jones’ hesitation stems from fear of losing to a younger, faster opponent who offers unfamiliar challenges. This stall frustrates supporters who want to see top fighters compete actively rather than witness repeated delays.

Compounding the frustration, Jones has made contradictory public statements, including telling individuals privately that he is “done” fighting. This ambiguity worsens tensions, as fans push for either a title vacancy or decisive unification.

The Financial Consequences for Tom Aspinall Due to Jones’ Hiatus

Tom Aspinall faces substantial financial losses as a direct result of waiting for Jon Jones to finalize his next steps. While exact contract details remain undisclosed, estimates suggest the interim champion is missing out on over $5 million in potential earnings. This includes money from pay-per-view (PPV) fights, inactive periods, and lost sponsorship opportunities.

Specifically, a PPV fight against Jones could bring Aspinall upwards of $1.5 million. Additionally, the estimated cumulative loss from missed fights is over $3 million. Sponsorship and brand visibility losses range between $250,000 and $750,000. Altogether, these figures represent a significant setback in Aspinall’s earnings potential during his career peak.

Being UFC heavyweight champion typically results in more lucrative payouts, including base salaries ranging from $500,000 to $1 million plus shares of PPV revenue. Dana White has noted that champions often become partners in the UFC, unlocking even more financial rewards. Aspinall’s inactivity therefore affects not only his immediate paychecks but also his long-term earning potential and exposure, especially in the UK market eager for a dominant heavyweight star.

Despite Aspinall’s generally positive compensation to date, the loss of prime fighting opportunities could hamper his rise as a major figure in MMA globally. The ongoing delay also stifles the UFC heavyweight division’s excitement and competitiveness, which many fans and insiders find unacceptable.

Current Status and Outlook for the Heavyweight Division

The anticipated bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall remains unresolved, with Jones hinting at reasons for the delay but offering little concrete information. As frustration mounts among fighters, fans, and UFC officials, calls to strip Jones of the title have intensified, supported by petitions nearing 150,000 signatures.

The heavyweight division’s stagnation poses challenges not only for fighters eager to compete but also for the UFC’s broader business interests. If Jones continues to hold the belt without actively defending it, the organization will likely have to take more decisive measures to protect the division’s integrity and maintain fan interest.

For Aspinall, this period represents a critical juncture in his career where lost opportunities mean more than just missed paychecks—they threaten the chance to cement his legacy as one of the sport’s greats. The resolution of this impasse will have lasting implications for the UFC heavyweight division and the fighters involved.