Jon Jones Gets a Hard-Hitting Reminder on “Obligation” to Fans as UFC Legend Goes Scorched Earth in Tom Aspinall’s Support

The clash between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall was once one of the most eagerly awaited matchups in MMA. But as time dragged on with little progress, the initial buzz began to fade, and the anticipation lost its spark. Now, many experts and former fighters have urged the UFC to strip Jon Jones of the title. Former UFC champion Michael Bisping also brought up the topic on his show and shared his honest opinion. ‘The Count’ feels the champion should step up and defend his title against Aspinall. On May 16, a petition surfaced on Change.org demanding that the UFC strip Jon Jones of his heavyweight title.

In just a week, it has gained nearly 20,000 signatures, reflecting a growing wave of frustration among fans. The petition highlights a key criticism: “Jon Jones is now the longest reigning UFC heavyweight champion, yet he’s only stepped into the Octagon twice during his reign,” the statement reads. It further added, “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 him. Therefore, we as fans must let Dana White know: It is time to strip Jon Jones of the heavyweight title. He clearly has no intentions of fighting anytime soon.”

Momentum behind the petition continues to build, with signatures pouring in by the minute. Still, it’s unclear whether the growing public pressure will be enough to prompt a response from Dana White. However, Bisping feels that more than stripping him of the title, Jones has some obligations towards the interim champion. He took to his YouTube channel and said, “Of course you’re living a good life. But as the heavyweight champion of the world, you have a debt. You have an obligation to the fighters, to the fans, to the rest of division, to your bloody self to prove that you are the undisputed champion of the world. He’s not the undisputed champ because there’s an interim champion.” 

Jon Jones’ future still remains a mystery. At times, he insists there’s a plan in place, saying he already “told the UFC my plans a long time ago”. But at the same time, he also hints that ‘he’s done’ fighting in the UFC. However, at the moment, there is no concrete information as to what the future holds for Jones and Aspinall. But a 2015 UFC Hall of Famer is confident that the fight will definitely happen.  Bas Rutten sat down for a chat on the ‘Submission Radio’ show and shared his honest opinion on the ongoing situation. He even picked a favorite for the highly anticipated clash.

Former MMA legend picks Tom Aspinall as the favorite for his clash against Jones

Tom Aspinall has openly voiced his frustration after playing the waiting game for so long. Since his dominant defense of the interim heavyweight title at UFC 304 in July 2024, the English standout has been absent from the Octagon. And he’s not alone in sensing that the long-awaited showdown may finally be within reach. Dutch-American MMA icon Bas Rutten shares that belief, convinced that Jon Jones will eventually take the fight. Not out of obligation, but to solidify his legacy as the greatest of all time. Still, Rutten admits that if the fight does happen, it won’t be an easy road. Tom Aspinall, he says, presents a serious challenge—perhaps one of the toughest Jones has ever faced.

While speaking on the show, Rutten said, “He’s [Aspinall] so fast on his feet, you know. And he’s like he’s so calm also.” He also pointed out that one of the biggest traits of Jones is his calm mind, which he has used throughout his career. However, the interim champion also has that, as Rutten further added, “Aspinall has that also. Aspinall also has the feeling that he does not care, and he’s completely relaxed. He’s completely in control and that makes him a very dangerous fighter then on top of that he kicks freaking hard. He punches really hard. ” 

For a while now, Aspinall has been fighting an opponent he can’t touch—not inside the cage, but in his own head. The battle isn’t physical; it’s the mental toll of chasing a shadow, waiting for a fight that remains just out of reach. But the big question is, can he deliver only if the fight ever happens? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.