Jon Jones has faced calls to be stripped of the UFC heavyweight title, even jokingly supporting an online petition for it. However, according to veteran UFC commentator Jon Anik, Jones likely isn`t deeply concerned about these efforts to take away his championship.
Anik discussed the petition, which has gained attention amid ongoing delays in booking a fight between Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall. Aspinall has publicly acknowledged the situation, even congratulating Jones on a supposed retirement and declaring himself undisputed champion, though neither scenario is official.
Jones retains the heavyweight belt and continues to hint at his return to competition. This leads Anik to believe that the fighter widely regarded as the greatest of all time isn`t bothered by online petitions.
Anik commented during a recent press conference, “So I think a fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall is bigger if they are both champions.” He added his hope that the fight could happen in December in Las Vegas, clarifying he had no insider information.
Continuing, Anik stated, “But I don’t know that Jon Jones really gives a rip if they strip him of the heavyweight championship. He’s still going to fight Tom, hopefully, and it’s still going to be a bag,” implying the financial incentive remains regardless of the belt.
Anik`s perspective is difficult to dispute, particularly given Jones` consistent dismissal and amusement regarding calls to remove his title.
Furthermore, Jones retaining the undisputed belt while facing an interim champion like Aspinall provides the UFC with a straightforward promotional narrative for what could become the most significant heavyweight bout in history.
Regarding timing, Jones recently mentioned being bound by secrecy about the UFC`s plans for him and Aspinall, while Aspinall has repeatedly expressed his anticipation for an announcement about his next fight.
With the UFC already scheduling events into late summer and early fall, it appears improbable that Jones and Aspinall will face each other before the final months of the year. However, numerous possibilities for timing and location remain.
As Anik noted, the UFC often concludes the year with a major event in Las Vegas. Additionally, November frequently hosts a pay-per-view card at Madison Square Garden in New York, the same venue where Jones defeated former heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic last year.
The exact scheduling date is uncertain, but UFC CEO Dana White has consistently stated his intention to book Jones vs. Aspinall sometime in 2025.
