Jon Jones` tenure as UFC heavyweight champion is a major topic in MMA discussions.
In the two years since winning the title, Jones has only defended it once. This defense against Stipe Miocic was controversial, drawing criticism because many felt he should have fought interim champion Tom Aspinall instead.
Despite that fight being months ago, Jones still seems unwilling to face Aspinall in a title unification bout. This has angered fans, who are now demanding Jones either fight Aspinall or vacate the belt.
Amanda Nunes Comments on Demands for Jon Jones to Be Stripped of Title
Former two-division UFC champion Amanda Nunes is currently in New Jersey ahead of UFC 316. The event features Julianna Pena vs. Kayla Harrison for the women`s bantamweight title, and the winner is widely expected to be Nunes` opponent when she returns.
Nunes, known as `The Lioness`, surprised many by retiring as a double champion after defending her 135-pound belt against Irene Aldana in June 2023. However, a return from retirement was often predicted, and plans for her comeback in 2025 are now reportedly underway.
During a fan Q&A session in Newark, Nunes was asked about the possibility of stripping Jon Jones of his heavyweight title. Drawing on her own experience of stepping away from the sport while holding a title, the Brazilian fighter suggested Jones might consider a similar path.
“Honestly, I considered that myself,” Nunes stated. “If I hadn`t retired, I would have held up the division. I could have stayed, but I wouldn`t have been able to fight immediately. I would have made the division wait a year and a half until I decided my future. So, I just retired.”
She continued, “I know I can regain the belt whenever I choose. I retired, and now I`m coming back later. Perhaps he [Jones] could vacate that belt and then see what happens down the line.”
Fan Petition to Strip Jon Jones of Title Nears 200,000 Signatures
A fan-created petition urging the UFC to strip Jon Jones of his heavyweight title continues to gain significant traction, having accumulated an impressive number of signatures in just a few weeks. Starting with about 20,000 in its first week, it has rapidly surpassed various milestones, recently exceeding 185,000 signatures and approaching 200,000.
The petition`s description highlights that “Jon Jones is currently the longest-reigning champion in UFC heavyweight history yet has only competed twice during this time.” It adds, “There is a recognized interim champion, Tom Aspinall, who has defended his interim belt and is prepared to face Jones. However, Jones appears unwilling to fight him.”
The petition concludes, “Consequently, we, the fans, must inform Dana White: The time has come to strip Jon Jones of the heavyweight title. He shows no clear intent of fighting in the near future.”
Online, Jones has downplayed the petition, claiming he is indifferent to demands for him to be stripped, referencing previous occasions where he relinquished his light heavyweight title.
The status of the UFC heavyweight title remains uncertain. However, Tom Aspinall`s recent assertions that Jones has retired suggest that the likelihood of Aspinall`s desired fight against the champion is diminishing over time.
