Alexander Volkov addressed recent discussions about whether Jon Jones should be stripped of the UFC heavyweight championship, emphasizing the significance of Jones’s impact beyond just competition. The debate emerged after a petition gathering over 100,000 signatures urged the UFC to remove Jones from his title due to delays in finalizing a fight agreement with interim champion Tom Aspinall. Volkov weighed in during an interview with Red Corner MMA, highlighting the business value Jones holds for the UFC.
Volkov remarked on the situation, placing Jones’s worth in the context of entertainment and finances:
“Well, if we consider this a pure sport, probably yes, but the UFC is a show business first of all. Jon Jones generates a lot of money for the organization. From a financial standpoint, he’s good for business. Even with his current status, he brings attention. Therefore, in terms of show business, he’s done, and is still doing much more for the UFC than any of us.”
He elaborated further on the broader impact of Jones’s role as champion:
“Therefore, his value as a champion should be calculated not just in terms of the sport but also in terms of his media presence. So, if the UFC keeps him [as champion], that means it’s good business for them. It’s not us who makes decisions. It’s up to the bosses of our organization, and if they think this way, than it makes sense for them financially.”
Alexander Volkov Declines Proposed Bout with Jailton Almeida
In addition to defending Jones, Volkov recently rejected a rumored matchup against Jailton Almeida, the No.6-ranked contender in the heavyweight division. The fight was seen as a way for both fighters to stay active while the championship situation between Jones and Aspinall remains unresolved. However, Volkov expressed reluctance to take the fight, citing a lack of motivation for facing an opponent of Almeida’s ranking.
Volkov explained his decision in a video posted on social media, stating:
“There was a fight announced about my fight with Almeida, which it wasn’t officially announced, but there were rumors that the fight was in the works… I don’t plan to fight Almeida in July yet. Why? Because I don’t see any point in fighting the sixth-ranked fighter. Whoever sees the point, tell me why. It’s only a fight for the sake of a fight. Let’s wait for a more interesting offer.”
Recent Performances and Division Status
Alexander Volkov’s last appearance in the octagon was in December 2024, where he suffered a split decision loss to Ciryl Gane, ending his previous streak of four consecutive wins. Conversely, Jailton Almeida has recently gained momentum after a first-round TKO victory against Serghei Spivac, boosting his UFC record to 8-1. The heavyweight division remains in flux as the UFC and its athletes await developments regarding the undisputed championship.
Business Considerations Influence Title Decisions
Volkov’s comments reveal the tension between sporting merit and business interests within the UFC. While some fans demand clearer action on unifying the heavyweight title, the organization must balance athletic competition with revenue generation. Jon Jones’s media presence and ability to draw attention make him an asset beyond fighting, which evidently affects decisions about his championship status. As Volkov noted, these choices rest with the UFC’s leadership, underscoring how financial and promotional factors weigh heavily on title considerations in modern mixed martial arts.