Georges St-Pierre is urging the UFC to assert control and make a definitive decision regarding the ongoing heavyweight title uncertainty involving Jon Jones. Known as one of the all-time greats alongside current champion Jon Jones, St-Pierre expresses concern about the effects of prolonged indecision on the division.

St-Pierre, who admires Jones and ranks him among his MMA Mount Rushmore, is eager to see the anticipated matchup between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall finally take place. However, he stresses that the UFC must stop dragging on the situation and choose a clear direction soon to keep the division moving forward.

Pressure Mounts on UFC as St-Pierre Highlights Need for Clear Direction in Jon Jones Fight

In an interview with The Schmo, St-Pierre voiced his frustration with the unresolved state of the Jon Jones heavyweight title fight saga. He lists Jon Jones versus Tom Aspinall as a top contest he is excited about, but he believes the UFC needs to step up and decide its next move conclusively.

Reports indicate that the UFC initially agreed to Jon Jones’ terms for the fight, with Jones accepting the bout, but later backing out. This reversal, confirmed by media insider Ariel Helwani, adds to the tension surrounding the bout.

Dana White said the most significant thing regarding Jon Jones x Tom Aspinall in a very long time. The problem is, he didn’t tell you the whole story.He told you Jon Jones initially accepted the fight, but he didn’t tell you Jon Jones went back on his word. Eventually that part… pic.twitter.com/UKMNTpVNAe— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) June 9, 2025

Despite UFC president Dana White stating that if the fight fails to materialize they would quickly move on, St-Pierre feels that the moment to make a move has already passed.

He elaborated that if Jones is delaying negotiations as a tactic, it could benefit him, but ultimately the UFC must decide. Young contenders are eagerly waiting, and athletes have a limited career window where delays can harm their opportunities.

So I think it’s on the UFC now to take the decision. Give Jon Jones what he wants or move on… I think it’s the UFC [that] needs to do something. The pressure needs to be on the UFC now.

St-Pierre’s call puts the spotlight on the UFC to either finalize the Jones vs Aspinall fight or change course to preserve the health of the heavyweight division and its emerging talent.

St-Pierre’s Own Experience: Vacating Title to Avoid Holding Up a Division

St-Pierre draws from his personal history as a former UFC middleweight champion who voluntarily relinquished his belt instead of holding up his division. After returning from a four-year break to win the middleweight title at UFC 217 in 2017, health complications prevented him from defending the belt immediately.

He reflected on his decision to give up the title, explaining that he did not want to disrespect other fighters by blocking their chances in the division due to his health setbacks.

p—– off everyone, especially Dana White,

— Georges St-Pierre, speaking about his quick title vacate

In an exclusive with Bloody Elbow, St-Pierre shared the seriousness of his condition and his respect for the sport’s competitive nature:

You have to prepare before it happens and I retired with a smile. I mean at that time when I retired, I had ulcerative colitis. I had bad symptoms and I didn’t want to hold the belt because I think it’s disrespectful for the other competitors so I needed to make sure, to know what I wanted to do so I relinquished the belt so the other guys had a chance to fight for it.

Since that title vacation, St-Pierre has not returned to fighting in the UFC, though he has expressed openness to competing in grappling matches for charity causes.

Implications for the UFC Heavyweight Division Moving Forward

The ongoing hesitation around the Jon Jones fight is causing concern among fans, fighters, and industry observers alike, with Georges St-Pierre voicing the growing dissatisfaction. The UFC now faces pressure to clarify its stance, either meeting Jones’ demands or shifting focus to new challengers.

St-Pierre’s perspective highlights how title inactivity can stall promising divisions and obstruct the progress of upcoming contenders, particularly in a sport where athletes’ prime years are limited. The decision the UFC makes next could redefine the heavyweight landscape for years to come.