As frustration builds within the UFC, Alexander Volkanovski, the featherweight champion, delivered a sharp critique of Jon Jones over his inactivity as the UFC heavyweight titleholder. Jones, who has held the belt for more than two years, has faced backlash for delaying title defenses, prompting calls for him to either fight or relinquish his championship. Volkanovski’s comments highlight the growing tension surrounding Jones’ handling of his UFC responsibilities.
Jones claimed the heavyweight crown after defeating Stipe Miocic in November 2023 but has yet to defend it since, frustrating fans and fighters alike. Meanwhile, interim champion Tom Aspinall has waited nearly 19 months without a title shot, adding to the pressure on Jones to act.
Volkanovski demands champions maintain activity and respect for contenders
Speaking on the Overdogs Podcast with Mike Perry, Volkanovski underscored the importance of titleholders actively defending their belts, especially when an interim champion is in play. He emphasized that champions carry the responsibility of keeping their divisions moving forward rather than stalling them.
If you’re the champ, you defend your belt — it’s a responsibility,
Volkanovski said.
You can’t just sit out. You need to be reasonably active. You need to fight whoever’s there. If you’ve got an interim champ, that’s a no-brainer.
He acknowledged Jones’ impressive record but insisted that past accomplishments should not excuse his current inactivity. Volkanovski went further, urging Jones to retire if he does not intend to defend his title.
I don’t want to throw heaps of shade, but look, I know he’s proved himself, everyone’s like, ‘Look what he’s done, it’s fine.’ No, not really.
Don’t hold up the division. I know your résumé is incredible. You’re considered the greatest of all time,
Volkanovski added.
So if you don’t want to fight, just retire, you’re done.
Jones responds calmly amid escalating calls for him to face Aspinall
Despite growing discontent among the UFC community, Jon Jones has remained largely unbothered by the criticism. The former light heavyweight champion has frequently dismissed calls for title defenses or stripping via social media and public comments. Recently, while attending the Dirty Boxing Championship event in Miami, Jones was asked about UFC CEO Dana White’s statement that he accepted a fight with Tom Aspinall.
Jones appeared surprised and noncommittal, responding, “Is that what he said?” This reaction indicates that Jones has not made a definitive decision on his next move, fueling continued speculation about his future in the sport.
Ongoing tensions underscore the challenges facing the UFC heavyweight division
The standoff between Jon Jones and the UFC leadership has highlighted ongoing difficulties within the heavyweight division, where uncertainty over title status undermines the competitiveness of the belt. Alexander Volkanovski’s pointed remarks reflect wider concerns about the responsibility that comes with being a champion, reinforcing the expectation that fighters actively defend their titles or step aside to allow the division to progress.
With nearly 200,000 fans having signed a petition to strip Jones’ belt and interim champion Tom Aspinall still awaiting a full title opportunity, pressure continues to mount for clarity on Jones’ intentions. The UFC’s next steps, along with Jones’ own decisions, will shape the heavyweight division’s trajectory in the coming months.