Jones will officially become the longest-reigning heavyweight champion of all time, surpassing Cain Velasquez with 915 days

The UFC heavyweight division has seen its fair share of dominant champions, but none have managed to maintain their reign for as long as Jon Jones is about to. If Jones does not fight Tom Aspinall and instead continues his reign without defending his title, he will officially surpass Cain Velasquez’s record, reaching an unprecedented 915 days as the UFC heavyweight champion. While this milestone cements Jones’ place in history, it also raises a pressing question: Is he truly the most dominant heavyweight, or is this a case of strategic title-holding rather than active competition?

The Historic Reign: Jon Jones vs. Cain Velasquez

Cain Velasquez once stood as the undisputed longest-reigning UFC heavyweight champion with 896 days at the top. Velasquez’s reign was defined by brutal wars, title defenses, and a level of dominance rarely seen in the division. However, injuries and inactivity played a role in the latter part of his reign, and many fans wondered what could have been had he remained active.

Now, Jon Jones is on the cusp of shattering that record, but his road has been vastly different. After capturing the heavyweight title by defeating Ciryl Gane in dominant fashion in March 2023, Jones has yet to defend the belt. An injury forced him out of a scheduled bout against Stipe Miocic, leaving the division in limbo. With Tom Aspinall, the interim champion, eagerly awaiting his shot, Jones’ reign has been more about title preservation than active dominance.

Jon Jones’ Heavyweight Legacy: Undeniable Greatness or Tactical Avoidance?

Jones is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. His decade-long reign as the UFC light heavyweight champion was filled with dominant performances, record-breaking title defenses, and victories over multiple generations of contenders. However, his heavyweight tenure has been met with skepticism due to lack of activity.

The key arguments in favor of Jones’ legacy include:

• Two-division dominance: Capturing titles in two weight classes is a rare achievement in the UFC.

• Undefeated status (excluding disqualification loss): Jones has never been decisively beaten in the octagon.

• Skill set unmatched in the heavyweight division: His fight IQ, wrestling, and striking make him one of the most well-rounded fighters ever.

However, critics argue that Jones is delaying a showdown with Aspinall to protect his legacy. His insistence on fighting Stipe Miocic—a fighter long past his prime—rather than the hungry and dangerous Aspinall has led many to believe that Jones is more interested in maintaining his status rather than proving himself against the division’s best.

Tom Aspinall: The Challenger That Jones Can’t Ignore

Tom Aspinall has been on a meteoric rise in the UFC heavyweight division. With a combination of speed, power, and grappling that is rare for a heavyweight, he has positioned himself as the most dangerous opponent for Jon Jones.

Aspinall’s biggest strengths include:

• Elite striking and knockout power: His quick hands and technical striking set him apart from most heavyweights.

• Explosive grappling ability: Unlike many in the division, Aspinall can seamlessly blend striking with high-level grappling.

• Finishing instincts: He has one of the highest finish rates in the division, making him a threat in every fight.

Despite holding the interim championship, Aspinall has been unable to secure a fight with Jones, as the UFC has yet to book the bout. Fans and analysts believe that Jones is avoiding the fight because Aspinall represents a real challenge to his legacy.

The Debate: Is Jon Jones Protecting His Record?

As Jon Jones approaches 915 days as champion, the MMA world is split into two camps:

1. Jones Defenders: These fans argue that Jones has earned the right to take his time, recover from injuries, and fight on his terms. They believe that his body of work is enough to justify his position at the top and that he should fight Miocic before retiring.

2. Jones Critics: Many believe Jones is strategically delaying a fight with Aspinall to extend his reign and avoid a potential loss. They argue that the UFC should either strip Jones of the belt or force him to defend it soon.

The UFC has been known to strip inactive champions, as seen with Francis Ngannou, who was stripped of his title for contract disputes and inactivity. If Jones continues to delay a defense, could the UFC take similar action?

What Happens Next? The UFC’s Role in the Heavyweight Division

The UFC is now at a crossroads. With Jones nearing an all-time record, the organization must decide whether to allow him to continue without defending his title or force him to fight Aspinall. The possible scenarios include:

1. Jones fights Miocic, then Aspinall: The UFC could grant Jones the Miocic fight as a farewell bout, then set up Aspinall vs. Jones if he wins.

2. Jones is stripped of the title: If Jones does not commit to a fight soon, Dana White may strip him and elevate Aspinall to undisputed champion.

3. Jones retires without facing Aspinall: Jones could walk away from the sport, leaving fans wondering what could have been.

Conclusion: Is Jon Jones’ Record Legitimate?

If Jon Jones reaches 915 days as heavyweight champion without defending his title against a top contender, history will remember his reign differently than previous champions. While he will hold the record for the longest reign, the asterisk of inactivity may overshadow his achievement.

For fans, the desire to see Jones vs. Aspinall is greater than ever. If the UFC fails to make this fight happen, it will leave a major void in the division’s legacy. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Jon Jones holds the key to his own legacy, and whether he fights or not will determine how he is remembered in the history books.