UFC Heavyweight Division Faces Prolonged Uncertainty

Negotiations for a UFC heavyweight title unification bout between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall have stalled, with Jones reportedly seeking greater control and a record payday. Aspinall, frustrated by the delays and comparisons to Michael Chandler, is expected to announce a fight soon, possibly against Ciryl Gane if Jones remains inactive or retires. UFC CEO Dana White faces mounting pressure to resolve the situation, with calls to either strip Jones of his title or reconcile with former champion Francis Ngannou to revive the division. Analysts note that while Jones has significant leverage, the UFC brand is increasingly able to move forward without individual stars. The absence of big names like Conor McGregor and Ngannou has left the heavyweight division especially unsettled. With Aspinall preparing a major announcement and the UFC planning a return to France, the division may soon see movement regardless of Jones's involvement.