Jon Jones Faces Pressure as Fans Demand Title Strip
With the UFC heavyweight division in limbo, fans are eager to see a resolution to the situation, and the pressure is mounting on Jones to defend his title or vacate it, allowing Aspinall to fight for the undisputed gold. The fate of the heavyweight division hangs in the balance, and the decision made by the UFC will have significant implications for the future of the sport.
Jon Jones, the current heavyweight champion, is under scrutiny for his lack of activity in the octagon, prompting over 30,000 fans to sign a petition to strip him of his UFC title. The petition, addressed to Dana White, cites Jones' limited fighting schedule, with only two fights in the past five years, and his hesitation to defend his title against interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall.
The rivalry between Jones and Daniel Cormier has been one of the most notable in UFC history, with their first fight in 2015 and a rematch at UFC 214 in 2017. However, Jones' career has been marred by controversy, including a positive test for turinabol, an anabolic steroid, which led to him being stripped of his light heavyweight title in 2017. Despite serving his suspension and later winning back his title, Jones' recent inactivity has put the UFC heavyweight division in limbo.
Aspinall, the interim heavyweight champion, has been vocal about his desire to fight Jones for the undisputed title, accusing him of dodging a matchup. UFC CEO Dana White has expressed optimism that a fight between the two will happen, but Jones seems hesitant, leading to speculation that he may be stripped of his title again. Jones has responded to criticism on social media, insisting he's focused on his training and not worried about the possibility of being stripped.
The situation has sparked a heated debate among fans and analysts, with some calling for Jones to be stripped of his title to allow Aspinall to fight for the undisputed championship. As the petition continues to gain signatures, it remains to be seen how the UFC will handle the situation and whether Jones will finally defend his title against Aspinall.