UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones may have inadvertently revealed his plans for future fights.
The anticipation continues as the UFC management works to finalize the heavyweight bout that fans, analysts, and other fighters have been eagerly awaiting for nearly two years.
With summer approaching, a unification fight between Jon Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall doesn`t seem close to being booked. After defending his heavyweight title (as mentioned in the text) at UFC 309, Jones reportedly shifted his focus to contract talks with Dana White and matchmakers, with the aim of bringing the Aspinall bout to fruition.
UFC enthusiasts are growing increasingly frustrated with Jones`s prolonged absence from competition, with some suggesting he is `holding the belt hostage`. Calls for Jones to be stripped of his UFC title have intensified recently.
Jon Jones Gives Clear Hint About UFC Future Following Comments on Tom Aspinall
Aspinall recently shared the mental strain the extended wait for Jones has caused him, stating this period has been more challenging than recovering from his 2022 leg surgery.
Amidst discussions about the Aspinall fight, Jones spent time overseas. He was originally scheduled to face Nate Diaz in Thailand as part of The Ultimate Fighter spinoff, but filming ceased abruptly after Diaz left the show following a chaotic incident on set.
While there, Jones conducted what was described as the `largest seminar in Bangtao history` at a local gym earlier this week. The gym and Jones posted videos on Instagram showing the champion training with fans of all ages, eager to absorb MMA knowledge.
Following an Instagram comment where a follower sarcastically inquired when his ‘famous eyepoke’ would be seen again, the UFC legend provided a two-word response regarding his fighting future.
Jones`s reply is unlikely to please fight fans.
“Next year,” Jones responded.
If Jones`s remark implies a return to the Octagon in 2026, it creates an unusual situation for the UFC heavyweight division, particularly with Aspinall holding the interim title. Should Jones relinquish his title, Aspinall would likely compete for the undisputed belt against another top contender, potentially setting up a fight with Jones upon his eventual return.
Aspinall holds the distinction of being the UFC`s longest-reigning interim champion, having secured the title by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. He successfully defended the interim belt at UFC 304 in July, finishing Curtis Blaydes in the first round.
With Jones`s fighting status uncertain, a bout between Aspinall and another leading heavyweight like Ciryl Gane or Alexander Volkov appears to be a logical step. Volkov has recently expressed his dissatisfaction with the UFC`s management of Jones`s inactivity, suggesting the champion receives `privilege` during his holdout.
Petition to Strip Jon Jones of UFC Title Gains Significant Momentum
A Change.org petition advocating for Jones to be stripped of his heavyweight title gained significant traction this week. At the time of writing, it had accumulated over 150,000 signatures, prompting a counter-response from a group of Jones`s dedicated supporters.
Jones and Aspinall engaged in a recent social media exchange during Jones`s time in Thailand. After Jones playfully taunted Aspinall about his growing fanbase in the UK, Aspinall reiterated his accusations of Jones `ducking` him and wished the acclaimed fighter an enjoyable retirement.
As of now, Dana White and the UFC matchmakers have not provided a specific timeframe for the next heavyweight title fight. White recently advised fans to `relax` when questioned about the status of the potential Jones vs. Aspinall matchup.
