According to veteran UFC commentator Jon Anik, Jon Jones is likely unbothered by the petition circulating online that calls for him to be stripped of the UFC heavyweight title. Jones himself even made light of the situation, joking that he hoped the petition would gain 200,000 signatures, suggesting his indifference to such calls.
Anik’s comments came in response to questions about the growing interest in the petition, which has gained traction due to the ongoing delays in scheduling a fight between Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall. The extended wait even prompted Aspinall to playfully declare himself the undisputed champion and congratulate Jones on retirement, despite neither statement being factual.
Jones still holds the official title and has frequently hinted at his eventual return to competition. This is why Anik finds it improbable that the fighter widely regarded as the greatest of all time is losing sleep over an online petition.
“So I think a fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall is bigger if they are both champions,” Anik stated during a pre-fight press conference. “I’m hopeful they’re going to fight in December in Las Vegas. I have no inside information.”
Anik added, “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 [a significant payday].”
Anik`s assessment is difficult to dispute, especially considering Jones’s history of dismissively reacting to suggestions that his title should be taken away.
Furthermore, keeping the belt on Jones for a showdown with an interim champion like Aspinall provides the UFC with a straightforward and powerful promotional narrative to build what could potentially be the most significant heavyweight clash in history.
Regarding the fight`s timing, Jones recently hinted that he is bound by a confidentiality agreement regarding the UFC`s plans for him and Aspinall. Meanwhile, Aspinall has consistently expressed his eagerness for an official announcement concerning his future.
With the UFC already planning events well into late summer and early fall, it appears unlikely that Jones and Aspinall will meet before the final months of 2024. However, multiple potential dates and locations remain options.
As Anik noted, the UFC typically concludes its year with a major event in Las Vegas. Additionally, November often 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.
While the precise date is yet to be scheduled, UFC CEO Dana White has consistently reassured fans that he intends to make the Jones vs. Aspinall fight happen sometime in 2025.
