Hope remains alive for a highly anticipated heavyweight title unification bout in the UFC featuring current champion Jon Jones and interim titleholder Tom Aspinall.
The UFC`s premier heavyweight division has been in a state of division for 18 months, with two different fighters holding championship belts.
It`s been widely known that interim champion Aspinall is eager to unify the titles. However, Jones` repeated lack of commitment to facing him has understandably caused significant frustration for the British fighter.
Aspinall is not alone in this feeling. Numerous fellow fighters, fans, and analysts have voiced similar opinions, with some accusing Jones of `holding the title hostage` by not actively defending against the interim champion.
Many who hold this view have started to lose hope that a fight between Jones and Aspinall will ever materialize. However, one prominent UFC fighter believes it`s too soon to give up.
Gilbert Burns Explains Why Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is Likely to Happen
Speaking on a recent episode of his `Show Me The Money` podcast, welterweight contender Gilbert Burns offered his perspective on the ongoing situation in the heavyweight division.
Despite UFC CEO Dana White stating the fight will happen, many observers remain unconvinced. Gilbert `Durinho` Burns, however, aligns with White`s view and expressed strong confidence that the matchup will indeed reach the Octagon relatively soon.
Burns speculated that increasing public pressure might be a factor influencing Jones. He suggested that as complaints grow, Jones will eventually agree to the fight, drawn by the significant financial incentive and viewership it would generate.
Furthermore, Burns believes Jones has strategic reasons that protect his legacy even if he were to lose. “Jon Jones has a lot to lose, right? But let`s just think…that fight happens…let`s presume that Tom Aspinall wins. Bro, Jon Jones has so [many] excuses! `I had a year layoff, I was old, this and that.` He`s not going to damage his legacy,” Burns explained.
He added, “People would still say, ‘Jon Jones in his prime would kill this guy.’ The check will be big enough. I’m telling you guys right now, that fight is happening. I’m that sure.”
Petition to Strip Jon Jones Gains Significant Traction
In contrast to Burns` optimism, many fans are clearly dissatisfied with the current state of the heavyweight division and have taken action.
A petition calling for the UFC to strip Jon Jones of his heavyweight title recently emerged and has gained considerable traction. After initially gathering around 20,000 signatures in its first week, the petition went viral in its second week, surging past the 150,000 signature mark.
The description on the change.org petition argues that while Jon Jones is the longest-reigning UFC heavyweight champion, he has only fought twice in that time. It highlights that interim champion Tom Aspinall has defended his belt and is ready to fight, but Jones is reportedly unwilling. The petition directly appeals to Dana White, stating, “It is time to strip Jon Jones of the heavyweight title. He clearly has no intentions of fighting anytime soon.”
While Jones briefly dismissed the petition in its initial stages, he has not publicly addressed it since the signature count significantly increased.
Though the petition is unlikely to be the sole factor in the UFC`s decisions regarding Jones, its substantial number of signatures serves as a clear demonstration of the growing public frustration surrounding the continued hold-up in the heavyweight division.
