Jon Jones continues to identify himself as the UFC heavyweight champion, despite having officially vacated the title earlier this year. The controversy has reignited after his claim sparked backlash, bringing renewed attention to his complicated status within the sport.
The former light heavyweight champion, Jones, retired in June amid ongoing controversies, signaling a presumably quiet end to his career. However, UFC President Dana White confirmed that Jones vacated the heavyweight title following an absence from the sport, which many saw as an attempt to avoid a mandatory unification bout against contender Tom Aspinall.
Jones then surprised fans by reversing his retirement shortly after a UFC event announcement involving Donald Trump, casting uncertainty over his future in MMA. While it remains unclear if Jones will compete inside the Octagon again, the 38-year-old has stayed active with various engagements outside competitive fighting.
Jon Jones’ Activities Beyond the Octagon Include International Appearances
Since his single successful heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic, Jon Jones has been involved in several off-cage ventures. These activities include conducting seminars in Thailand and accepting a coaching role in a proposed Russian reality show pitting him against Nate Diaz, which was eventually canceled after an on-set altercation.
Jones’s travels recently brought him to Moscow ahead of the IBA Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship event on July 26, where he is making a public appearance. During this visit, he referred to himself explicitly as the “UFC heavyweight champion,” a claim that has fueled further controversy among MMA fans and insiders alike.
“What’s up guys, this is UFC heavyweight champion of the world, Jon Jones,”
he stated in a video shared by Red Corner MMA.
“I am here in Moscow attending the IBA Bare Knuckle tomorrow at Live Arena…let’s go, baby.”
Fan Backlash Surges After Jones’ Self-Proclaimed Champion Status
The announcement did not go unnoticed, as numerous fans quickly challenged Jones’s insistence on retaining the heavyweight champion title after his departure from the UFC roster. Commenters pointed out that Jones relinquished his claim when he chose retirement over facing Tom Aspinall for the undisputed championship.
“Why does he still refer to himself as the HW champ?”
“Yeah, he has gone past shameless. Not even worth talking about him anymore.”
“Why is he still calling himself the heavyweight champ? That clown already ran away. He’s no champion.”
This backlash illustrates the frustration and disappointment felt by many within the MMA community who expected Jones to either defend the title or officially hand it over without controversy.
Ongoing Debate Surrounding Jon Jones’ Legacy and Future Prospects
The ongoing dispute over Jones’s championship status adds another complex chapter to his storied career. Once considered one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, his transition to heavyweight and subsequent decisions have clouded his legacy. As Jones remains active outside formal competition, fans and analysts await clarity on whether he will return to the Octagon or fully step away from championship contention.
The significance of this situation extends beyond one fighter’s title claim; it highlights the challenges the UFC faces in managing heavyweight divisions and ensuring clarity in championship transitions. With Jones’s reputation hanging in the balance, the next moves by him and UFC officials will likely influence both public perception and organizational direction moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Jon Jones test positive for?
A. The hearing uncovered that Jones tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole metabolites. These are found in Tadalafil, a drug for erectile dysfunction that Jones admitted to using.
Q. What has Jon Jones tested positive for?
A. He was found to have Turinabol, a type of anabolic steroid, in his system. Because of this, he received a temporary suspension.