“There’s no debate. Nobody can debate who’s the greatest of all time.” Dana White has made that clear multiple times, but when he said it on the Lex Fridman Podcast, it really turned heads. Jon Jones has long been one of the UFC’s biggest cash cows, right up there with Conor McGregor and Khabib Nurmagomedov. So, it’s no surprise he’s in the UFC’s good graces. But not everyone’s happy with the perks ‘Bones’ seems to be enjoying. Along with Tom Aspinall, another heavyweight contender showed his displeasure.

Back in November 2024, at UFC 309, ‘Bones’ defended the heavyweight title against a fighter many fans labeled as “washed,” Stipe Miocic. Since then, it’s been roughly six months, and the UFC heavyweight champ has yet to make his grand return. For a good perspective, Alex Pereira likely would’ve fought twice in that span. Jones’ absence has already drawn frustration from rightful challenger Tom Aspinall, and fans haven’t held back either. Now, heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov has also stepped in to voice his disapproval.

Red Corner MMA posted a clip from Volkov’s interview with Championat.com on Instagram: “I view the delay of the Jones vs. Aspinall fight negatively because it reduces my chances of fighting for the title, and time is slipping away. In other weight classes, there’s a constant stream of title fights. That’s why I’m dissatisfied. If it weren’t for Jon Jones, I would’ve had the chance to test myself in a title fight long ago,”

The 36-year-old has a point. The division remains completely stalled until a winner is decided between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall. Contenders like Alexander Volkov and Ciryl Gane could be left waiting, potentially for another year or two, especially if the fight brings injuries and more delays. It’s a frustrating scenario for everyone not named Jones or Aspinall. On top of that, Volkov didn’t hold back in pointing out what many believe: that Jones is being favored by the UFC brass.

He added, “But I can understand him. The UFC gives him this privilege, and he feels in control of the situation. Jon knows he’ll be valuable to the UFC no matter what, and he’s simply taking advantage of that. If I were in Jones’ position, with his status, the goal of earning as much money as possible, and the desire to fight only when it suits me, of course I would do the same. It’s obvious that he’s doing what benefits him most. And Jon has every right to do that. The issue here isn’t so much with Jon Jones himself, but with the fact that the UFC allows him to behave this way.”

That’s a refreshing bit of honesty from the Russian. It’s not the first time Volkov has called out the UFC either. For those unaware, at the UFC 310 media day before his rematch with Ciryl Gane, he openly stated that Jon Jones was fast-tracked to the heavyweight title. So, his latest comments shouldn’t surprise anyone. ‘Drago’ has long chased a title shot, but after his controversial loss to Gane, he likely needs one more win. There’s a little time left for him before pushing for the championship fight. 

However, it’s also true that the heavyweight champion’s accomplishments in the sport are undeniable. Many still idolize Jon Jones as the man who has done it all inside the Octagon. But according to one of his former opponents, others shouldn’t copy Bones’ path at all, and the reason might just surprise you.

Chael Sonnen believes Jon Jones’ path shouldn’t be copied by up-and-coming fighters

The reigning heavyweight champion has a superpower: he looks sharp every time he steps into the cage after a long hiatus. In fact, he often appears even more lethal than before. Take his fight against Ciryl Gane, for example, after a three-year layoff, ‘Bones’ made it look easy at UFC 285, choking him out with a guillotine.

Chael Sonnen, who fought Jones at UFC 159, in the Good Guy/Bad Guy show, said, “Every young aspiring athlete — do not copy Jon Jones. You can’t take years off, go on long vacations, or leave your coach and expect the same success. This sport demands consistency, and Jones’ path isn’t the one to follow. Despite all his mistakes and time away, that ‘old man partying in Thailand’ still might beat anyone he faces. If Jon fights Tom Aspinall, he should be the favorite, no doubt about it.” 

‘The Bad Guy’ is absolutely right! Few fighters can look as good as Jon Jones even after a long hiatus. Following his path would be a huge challenge for any aspiring martial artist. It’s also true that the reigning champ might be the favorite against Tom Aspinall’s power. But for a well and true answer to that, the fight needs to be finalized first.

With that being said, do you believe Jon Jones will soon accept Tom Aspinall’s challenge? And do you agree with Volkov’s claim that the UFC lets the heavyweight champ do whatever he wants without repercussions? Share your thoughts in the comments below!