Fans Petition to Strip Jon Jones of UFC Heavyweight Title

A petition urging the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) to remove Jon Jones from his heavyweight title has accumulated close to 20,000 signatures in a single week. This surge in support underscores growing discontent among fans regarding the delayed title unification fight with interim champion Tom Aspinall.

The petition, initiated on a popular platform on May 16, highlights that Jones, the current undisputed heavyweight titleholder, has not defended his title in over a year and seemingly has no immediate plans to do so.

Meanwhile, Aspinall has maintained an active fighting schedule, successfully defending his interim title and openly challenging Jones to the anticipated title bout.

Jones, a controversial figure in mixed martial arts, has been previously stripped of his UFC light heavyweight title on multiple occasions due to disciplinary infractions. However, this instance is fueled by fan frustration over his perceived inactivity in the heavyweight division.

“Jon Jones currently holds the record for the longest reign as UFC heavyweight champion, yet he has only competed twice during that time,” the petition states.

“Tom Aspinall is the recognized interim champion and has defended his interim title. Aspinall is prepared to fight Jones, but Jones is unwilling to fight him. Therefore, we, as fans, must inform Dana White that it is time to strip Jon Jones of the heavyweight title, as he clearly has no intentions of fighting in the near future,” the petition continues.

This demand follows recent assurances from UFC President Dana White that Jones vs. Aspinall will occur sometime this year, although an official date has not been set.

Adding to the uncertainty, Jones posted a series of enigmatic messages on X (formerly Twitter), further fueling speculation about his intentions.

Responding to fans advocating for his title to be revoked, Jones seemed unconcerned. “Stripped? Lol. Do I seem like someone who would care about such things?” he posted on X.