Not everyone has lost hope at a UFC Heavyweight Title Unification Showdown between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall.
The heavyweight division on the largest stage of MMA is divided for 18 months, with two champions rule over the weight class.
It has long been clear that the interim title holder wants to unite the belts, but the frequent resignation of Jones of combating Aspinall has frustrated the Brit.
And Aspinall is far from only in that respect, with a large number of fellow hunters, fans and analysts who also accuse Jones of 'Holding the Title Hostage'.
Those who have that position have come close to writing a chance that Jones will return, but a UFC hunter thinks they should hold their horses.
I don't know if I want to retire, I feel that I will always have the opportunity to jump out and show them. I had many breaks during my career, my identity outside fighting is well intact. I really enjoy life, I grow in different ways. https://t.co/XUH1DIQVR1
– Jonny Meat (@JonnyBoes) May 21, 2025
View tweet
Gilbert Burns suggests that ready-made apologies can lead to Jon Jones fighting Tom Aspinall
During the latest episode of his show Me The Money Podcast, Gilbert Burns became the latest prominent hunter to enter the heavyweight title photo.
After Dana White assured that fans Jones vs Aspinall would happen, it turned out that not much in the community were convinced.
'Durinho', however, agrees with the UFC CEO and is extremely confidence in the matchup that the cage reaches quickly enough.
“I think so,” Burns said when he was asked if he thinks positive negotiations with Jones are going behind the scenes.
“Their food cooks and people [complain]And in the end Jon Jones says, “Yes, I am fighting!” And everyone is going to coordinate.
“Jon Jones has a lot to lose, right? But let's think … That fight happens … Let's assume Tom Aspinall wins. Bro, Jon Jones has that [many] Apologies! “I had a resignation of the year, I was old, this and that.” He will not damage his legacy.
“People would still say:” Jon Jones in his prime would kill this guy, “Burns added.” The check will be big enough. I tell you now, that fight happens. I'm sure. “
Petition to strip Jon Jones rises beyond 150,000 signatures
Many fans seem to disagree with Burns' look at the Jones-Aspinall situation, and they have taken matters into their own hands.
There is recently a petition in which the UFC is called upon to strip Jones of the heavyweight title. Although it gained around 20,000 signatures in the first seven days, the second week climbed over 150,000 marking after it had gone viral.
“Jon Jones is now the longest reigning champion in the heavyweight history of UFC and has only fought twice in that period,” is the description of the petition of Change.org.
“There is a clear interim champion, Tom Aspinall, who has defended his interim championship belt. Aspinall is ready to fight Jones. Jones refuses to fight against him.
“That is why we, as fans Dana White, must let us know: it's time to strip Jon Jones from the heavyweight title. He clearly has no intentions to fight quickly.”
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Jones briefly picked up the petition in his early days, but did not tackle it because the number of signatures increased drastically.
Although it is unlikely that such a movement will play a role in the attitude of the UFC towards Jones, it is certainly a way to show the growing public anger about the continuous hold-up in the heavyweight division.