The UFC fanbase is growing increasingly frustrated as Jon Jones remains inactive. A petition demanding he be stripped of his heavyweight championship has gained massive traction online.
More than 130,000 fans have signed a petition urging the UFC to remove Jon Jones from his position as undisputed heavyweight champion. The surge of signatures reflects growing discontent with the prolonged delays in the title picture and Jones’ reluctance to face interim champion Tom Aspinall.
Jones’ absence puts division on hold
Since defeating Stipe Miocic in November 2024 at UFC 309, Jon Jones has yet to return to the Octagon. In the meantime, Tom Aspinall has stayed active, defending his interim belt and calling for a unification bout that has not materialized. For many, Jones’ inactivity has become a bottleneck, preventing rising contenders from competing for the division’s top prize.
“He clearly has no intention of defending his title,” reads a key line in the petition. Fans are calling for fairness, arguing that champions must compete or step aside to keep the sport moving forward.
Public backlash and Jones’ reaction
When the petition initially reached 40,000 signatures, Jon Jones responded on social media with mockery. He referenced past controversies and dismissed the calls for his removal, further fueling the debate. Despite criticism, he has continued teasing other matchups—most notably a potential super-fight with Alex Pereira—rather than committing to the expected unification bout with Aspinall.
UFC yet to respond officially
The organization has remained silent on the matter. No official announcement has been made about Jones’ next fight or whether the heavyweight title could be vacated. However, pressure is mounting. Fans, analysts, and even other fighters have begun questioning how long the UFC will allow the title to remain in limbo.
Growing demand for resolution
As the number of petition signatures climbs, the UFC faces a decision point. Either set a date for the long-awaited Jones vs. Aspinall showdown or move forward by declaring the interim titleholder the undisputed champion. For many, the time for waiting has passed.
The current situation puts a spotlight on the challenges of managing elite fighters, balancing legacy matchups, and maintaining competitive integrity in the sport. With every passing week, the pressure on Jon Jones—and the UFC leadership—increases.
