Jon Jones, the reigning heavyweight champion, recently indicated on social media that he might relinquish his title before it gets stripped from him. In his message, he commented on the financial aspect of the heavyweight division, stating, “I’ve made more money off of Tom being the interim champ than Tom himself.” He expressed frustration over the delay in the division’s progress, emphasizing that it’s not within his control.
Notably, Jones revealed that he hasn’t trained since his victory over Stipe Miocic in November, which raises doubts about a potential matchup with Tom Aspinall in the near future. This has led to concerns among fans and fighters alike about the lack of activity in the heavyweight division, with calls for the UFC to strip Jones of his title gaining traction. A petition has emerged reflecting this sentiment, illustrating the growing discontent in the MMA community regarding the situation.
Aspinall, with an impressive record of 8-1 in the UFC, is seen as a viable challenger. His only loss occurred due to a knee injury in a bout against Curtis Blaydes in July 2022. However, he avenged that defeat with a swift victory over Blaydes in 2024, further solidifying his status with seven first-round finishes in his career so far.
While the current state of the heavyweight division may appear stagnant, the anticipation for a potential fight between Jones and Aspinall reflects the passion and enthusiasm of MMA fans. The hope remains that both fighters will soon engage in an exciting match that could reshape the landscape of the division.