Jon Jones Faces Harsh Advice: Volkanovski Redefines ‘Champion’s Responsibility’ in the UFC!

Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, is now under fire — and not just from fans, but from his fellow champions. Alexander Volkanovski, known for his warrior mentality and active title defenses, has taken a public stand against Jones’ prolonged absence from the octagon, delivering a harsh reality check on what it means to truly be a UFC champion.

Jon Jones: The Absent King of Heavyweight

Since capturing the UFC heavyweight title in a dominant win over Stipe Miocic, Jon Jones has remained largely inactive. His victory, once celebrated as the return of the GOAT, has gradually turned into a point of frustration for fans and fighters alike. With no fights since November, and repeated teases about retirement without making anything official, Jones has left the heavyweight division in limbo.

While he continues to hint at a potential retirement and refuses to fight rising star Tom Aspinall, who has held the interim belt for over a year and a half, the public sentiment is turning sour. Over 200,000 fans have signed a petition urging the UFC to strip Jones of his title — a rare and telling sign of just how much frustration is bubbling within the MMA community.

Volkanovski Speaks Out: A Champion Calls Out Another

Amid the silence from Jones, Alexander Volkanovski stepped up to voice what many fighters and fans have been thinking. On the Overdogs Podcast with Mike Perry, the Australian featherweight didn’t mince words as he criticized Jones’ approach to his reign.

“If you’re the champ, you defend your belt — it’s a responsibility,” Volkanovski said bluntly. “You can’t just sit out. You need to be reasonably active. You need to fight whoever’s there. If you’ve got an interim champ, that’s a no-brainer.”

Volkanovski, whose own career has been defined by consistent title defenses and a willingness to take tough fights even on short notice, is speaking from a place of experience. Unlike Jones, he has embodied the ideal of what it means to be a fighting champion.

His call-out hits even harder when you consider that Volkanovski has fought eight times since 2021, including title defenses, short-notice bouts, and moving up in weight to chase greatness. Jones, in contrast, has only fought once during that period.

“Don’t Hold Up the Division”

What makes Volkanovski’s critique particularly resonant is his acknowledgment of Jones’ legacy — while still refusing to let that legacy be an excuse.

“I don’t want to throw heaps of shade, but look, I know he’s proved himself. Everyone’s like, ‘Look what he’s done, it’s fine.’ No, not really,” Volkanovski added. “Don’t hold up the division. I know your résumé is incredible. You’re considered the greatest of all time. So if you don’t want to fight, just retire. You’re done.”

The words “just retire” hit with the weight of a haymaker — a rare direct callout from one champion to another. Volkanovski is not just airing grievances. He’s drawing a line in the sand, standing up for the future of the sport and the fairness owed to other active contenders.

Tom Aspinall: The Interim Champ Left Waiting

Volkanovski’s comments echo the sentiments of many who believe Tom Aspinall deserves clarity and closure. The British powerhouse earned the interim heavyweight belt with a sensational knockout win over Sergei Pavlovich, yet has been left waiting in limbo due to Jones’ indecision.

For any fighter, the label “interim” should be temporary — a placeholder while the undisputed champion recovers or prepares for a unification bout. But in this case, it feels more like a ceiling imposed by politics and indecision.

The Heavyweight Division on Pause

The heavyweight division has long been one of the UFC’s most iconic weight classes — the land of giants, legends, and knockout artists. But right now, it feels frozen in time. Fighters like Curtis Blaydes, Jailton Almeida, and Tom Aspinall continue to fight, climb, and take risks. Yet the man with the true belt, Jon Jones, is absent — neither defending nor officially retiring.

This puts the UFC in a difficult position. Should they honor a legacy and wait indefinitely? Or take action and reset the division for the sake of its present and future?

The Legacy of Jon Jones: Greatness vs. Responsibility

There is no denying Jon Jones’ legacy. He has defeated every opponent he’s faced, across multiple eras of the sport. From Mauricio “Shogun” Rua to Daniel Cormier, from Alexander Gustafsson to Glover Teixeira, Jones has a résumé that rivals any fighter in history.

But even legends aren’t above accountability.

Volkanovski’s message is clear: Greatness isn’t just about past accomplishments — it’s about how you carry the belt in the present. And if you’re unwilling to do the job, step aside and let someone else take the mantle.

Fan Support Shifts Away from Bones

It’s rare for Jon Jones to receive sustained criticism from other champions. That’s what makes Volkanovski’s comments so noteworthy — they represent a cultural shift within the UFC.

Where Jones was once seen as untouchable, more and more fighters and fans are questioning whether his prolonged absence does more harm than good. His legacy as one of the greatest fighters will never be erased, but his current behavior risks souring the narrative.

What Comes Next?

The UFC faces a decision point. Will they finally pressure Jones to unify the belts against Aspinall? Will Jones announce his official retirement? Or will this limbo continue to test the patience of everyone watching?

As of now, no fight is booked for Jones. No date. No opponent. No announcement. And as Volkanovski pointed out, that’s a problem.

In the meantime, fighters like Aspinall and Volkanovski continue to carry the torch — not just through victories, but by upholding the integrity of championship responsibility.

Conclusion: A Champion Calls Out Another

Alexander Volkanovski’s blunt challenge to Jon Jones serves as more than just fighter banter — it’s a wake-up call. When one of the most respected and active champions in the UFC questions your commitment, the message is loud and clear: being a champion is about more than gold belts and legacy talk — it’s about showing up and defending it.

Jones’ next move will speak volumes. Will he prove Volkanovski wrong by returning with fire and determination? Or will silence continue to define his reign?

Either way, Volkanovski has thrown down the gauntlet — not in a call for a fight, but in a call for accountability.