UFC Jon Jones Faces Petition to Strip Heavyweight Title Amid Fight Delays

The UFC heavyweight division remains in limbo as Jon Jones continues to delay a unification bout against interim champion Tom Aspinall, sparking frustration among fans and fighters alike. Jones, who recently held a successful seminar in Thailand, has neither confirmed his return nor relinquished his title, even as a petition to strip him of the belt has garnered over 150,000 signatures, supported by Aspinall himself. This petition has divided the MMA community, with some fans launching a counter-petition to keep Jones as champion. UFC officials, including Dana White, maintain the fight is expected in 2025, but criticism has grown over Jones choosing to fight an older Stipe Miocic instead of Aspinall, raising concerns about the future of the heavyweight division. Meanwhile, Jones remains noncommittal about his fighting future, emphasizing his broader life options beyond the Octagon. The ongoing situation highlights tension between the UFC, its athletes, and fans craving clarity and resolution in the heavyweight title picture.