Jon Jones Faces a HUGE TURNING POINT: An UNPRECEDENTED Wave of Opposition is Sweeping Through the UFC

The MMA community is once again ablaze with controversy, and this time it revolves around none other than Jon Jones, the reigning UFC heavyweight champion. A petition to strip Jon Jones of the undisputed heavyweight title has now amassed over 50,000 signatures, shaking the MMA world and igniting passionate debates among fans, analysts, and fighters alike.

While petitions of this nature are not legally binding nor officially recognized by the UFC, the sheer volume of support behind this movement speaks volumes. Critics say Jones is holding up the division, ducking top contenders, and avoiding the rightful fight fans have been demanding for over a year: Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall.

The question now is not whether the UFC will respond—but how long they can ignore the groundswell of discontent aimed at one of their most decorated, and most divisive, champions.

Why Are Fans Calling for Jon Jones to Be Stripped?

The backlash against Jon Jones stems from a combination of inactivity, timing, and perceived avoidance. After capturing the heavyweight title in March 2023 by submitting Ciryl Gane in the first round, Jones immediately established himself as the baddest man on the planet. However, he has not fought since.

Originally scheduled to defend his title against Stipe Miocic in late 2023, the bout was scrapped due to Jones suffering a torn pectoral muscle. The injury was legitimate, but fans expected that Jones would return within a reasonable timeframe—especially given the meteoric rise of Tom Aspinall, who claimed the interim heavyweight title in Jones’ absence by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in November.

Instead, Jones has repeatedly insisted that his only interest lies in fighting Miocic, a fellow legend who hasn’t fought since 2021. This has led many fans to accuse Jones of dodging the new generation, including Aspinall, and holding up the most exciting division in the sport.

50,000 Signatures and Counting: What the Petition Says

The now-viral Change.org petition, titled “Strip Jon Jones of the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship and Let the Division Move On”, was launched by a frustrated fan in April 2025. It gained traction quickly, with thousands signing within the first few days.

Here’s an excerpt from the petition’s mission statement:

“Jon Jones has not defended his title once since winning it in 2023. He is avoiding Tom Aspinall, the interim champ, and clinging to a legacy fight that no longer makes sense. The division is being held hostage. The UFC must act now to crown a true champion.”

The petition surpassed 50,000 signatures just days ago, and its growth shows no signs of slowing. Supporters argue that if Jones is unwilling to fight the top contenders, especially the red-hot Aspinall, then he should be stripped of his title, and the UFC should promote the interim belt to undisputed status.

Tom Aspinall: The Man Fans Want to See as Champion

The heart of this controversy revolves around Tom Aspinall, the interim champion and fan favorite. The British powerhouse has earned his spot through sheer dominance, showcasing devastating knockout power, elite movement for his size, and underrated ground skills.

Aspinall has been vocal in calling for a unification bout with Jon Jones. In multiple interviews, he’s expressed frustration over being ignored.

“I’m ready. The fans are ready. But Jon doesn’t want this smoke,” Aspinall told reporters after UFC 304. “If he won’t fight, then strip him. I’m the real champ.”

Aspinall’s appeal lies in his humble demeanor and devastating fighting style. He represents the new wave of heavyweight MMA, and fans are desperate to see how he matches up with one of the greatest fighters in history.

Dana White’s Silence Is Fueling the Fire

So far, UFC President Dana White has remained relatively quiet on the matter. He’s reiterated that Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic remains the plan, but the timeline remains murky. Jones continues to rehab, and Miocic hasn’t fought in nearly four years.

White’s reluctance to strip Jones is understandable from a business perspective. A Jones-Miocic fight sells. It’s legacy vs. legacy. But it’s also holding up one of the deepest heavyweight rosters in UFC history.

Fans argue that White’s silence and inaction are enabling Jones to dictate the division without actually competing. With the petition’s momentum, pressure is now building on the UFC to either book Jones vs. Aspinall or officially strip the belt.

Is Jon Jones Ducking Tom Aspinall?

This is the question that has divided the MMA community.

Critics say Jones is deliberately avoiding Tom Aspinall, fearing a bad stylistic matchup. Aspinall’s youth, speed, and knockout power are a serious threat to the aging Jones, who is now in his mid-thirties and coming off a major injury.

Jones, however, insists that he deserves the Stipe Miocic fight based on legacy. He wants the opportunity to defeat the greatest heavyweight of all time before potentially retiring.

“I didn’t come back to prove myself to a kid with five UFC fights,” Jones said in a podcast appearance. “I came back for greatness.”

Still, the optics aren’t great. Aspinall is active and eager. Jones is injured and waiting. For many fans, the writing is on the wall: Jon Jones is protecting his legacy by avoiding the most dangerous fighter in the division.

UFC Fighters Weigh In: A House Divided

The fighters themselves are split. Some have backed Jon Jones, saying he’s earned the right to call his shot. Others believe it’s time for the UFC to move on.

Daniel Cormier, Jones’ former rival, recently said:

“I get why people are frustrated, but stripping Jon Jones? That’s extreme. He’s still the champ. Let him fight Stipe, then face Aspinall.”

Meanwhile, fighters like Curtis Blaydes, Tai Tuivasa, and Jailton Almeida have thrown support behind Aspinall and the idea of moving on without Jones.

“If you’re not defending, you’re holding up the game,” Blaydes said. “Aspinall’s the real champ until Jon comes back.”

Historical Precedent: The UFC Has Stripped Inactive Champions Before

This wouldn’t be the first time the UFC has stripped a champion due to inactivity. Fighters like Conor McGregor, Tony Ferguson, and Germaine de Randamie have all had titles taken for failing to defend or declining key matchups.

Jones’ current situation meets many of the same criteria. He’s been inactive for over a year. He’s declined a fight with the interim champion. And there’s no clear date for his return.

The UFC is known for promoting interim titles when champions are sidelined. But when the situation drags on, they’ve shown a willingness to strip belts and move on. Could Jon Jones be next?

What Happens If Jones Is Stripped?

If the UFC chooses to strip Jon Jones, the most likely outcome would be promoting Tom Aspinall to undisputed champion. This would immediately free up the division and allow top contenders like Curtis Blaydes, Jailton Almeida, and Sergei Pavlovich to line up for their shots.

Jones, if he returns, could still re-enter the title picture and face Aspinall in a mega-fight. But it would shift the balance of power back to active fighters—which is what many fans are demanding.

Another possible option is booking Aspinall vs. Miocic for the full title, effectively bypassing Jones entirely.

Final Word: The Division Can’t Wait Forever

Jon Jones is a legend. A GOAT. A once-in-a-generation fighter. But as the petition to strip him of the heavyweight title crosses the 50,000 mark, it’s clear that even greatness has a shelf life when it comes at the cost of a division’s momentum.

The UFC now finds itself at a crossroads. Do they honor Jones’ legacy and wait indefinitely? Or do they listen to the fans, respect the active fighters, and crown a champion who’s ready to compete?