Jon Jones stalls heavyweight: “If you’re making Makhachev vacate, Jones needs to be stripped”

UFC heavyweight fighters are frustrated with Jon Jones, their champion, for stalling the division. The main victim is interim champion Tom Aspinall, who has been waiting for his chance to fight for the undisputed title since winning his own. According to the UFC, they are in talks for a unification bout, and it’s only a matter of time before it’s announced, but for now, the division is at a standstill.

“Jones needs to be stripped”

“If you’re making Islam [Makhachev] vacate, [Jon] Jones needs to be stripped,” Paddy Pimblett said on TNT. This opinion is shared not only by fighters but also by a large portion of the fans. Jones, who became the youngest light heavyweight champion in the company’s history at 25, claimed the belt in a second weight class upon his return after three years out of the Octagon.

UFC set to push through Jones-Aspinall fight

A fan favorite despite numerous scandals involving drugs and fights, “Bones” is one of the UFC’s great legends. He defended his heavyweight crown against Stipe Miocic, whom he knocked out in the third round in November 2024. The fight was postponed due to an injury to the American, which sparked much discussion. Aspinall was crowned interim champion in 2023 and has been waiting nearly two years for his chance, with one year out of the Octagon.

It’s an opportunity that Jones is reluctant to give him. The Brit poses a significant threat, having won all but one of his fights in the first round since joining UFC (the only exception is a second-round victory over Andrei Arlovski in February 2021). Aspinall is a whirlwind and a risk the American does not want to take, but UFC chief Dana White seems to have grown tired of the wait and has insisted that they will face each other no matter what. It looks like it will happen at the end of 2025, in Las Vegas or New York.

Aspinall and the fans are not the only ones complaining about Jones blocking the division. Alexander Volkov, ranked third, is frustrated by the wait. While the Brit is eager for the opportunity (as the closest to it), those behind him in the line are growing even more desperate. “As a fighter, of course, I have a negative opinion about the delay of the Jones-Aspinall, fight because my chances of fighting for the title are getting smaller and time is running out,” the 36-year-old Russian told ChampionAT.

“Everyone is waiting”

After being submitted by Aspinall in the first round in 2022, Volkov returned to winning ways with four consecutive victories, before this streak was cut short by Ciryl Gane six months ago. “In other weight classes, there is a real chain of fights. That’s why I’m not happy. I would have had the chance to prove myself in a title fight a long time ago if it weren’t for Jon Jones,” Volkov continued.

“If I were in Jones’ position, with his status, the goal of making the most money, and the desire to fight when it suits him, of course, I would keep doing it. It’s obvious that, above all, he does what suits him, and Jon has the right to do so. The issue is not so much Jon Jones, but that the UFC allows him to behave this way and shows him excessive loyalty. As a result, everyone is waiting.”

Related stories

Boxing

Benavidez throws down the gauntlet: “Canelo, what’s the problem?”

Indy 500

Why was Tom Brady booed at the Indy 500?

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.