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130,000 Signatures Demand Jon Jones Be Stripped — But Jon Is Focused on Peace, Not Punches
- Austin Jones
- May 29
- 3 min read
130,000 Signatures Demand Jon Jones Be Stripped — But Jon Is Focused on Peace, Not Punches
A Fan Revolt: Petition to Strip Jon Jones Gains Steam
The outcry is deafening. Over 130,000 fans have now signed a Change.org petition demanding that the UFC strip Jon Jones of the Heavyweight title, frustrated by over 800 days of inactivity and a division left in purgatory. What began as a fringe protest has ballooned into a major fan movement, with one clear message: the UFC Heavyweight belt must be active—and its current holder is nowhere to be found.
Tom Aspinall, the interim champion, is viewed by many as the division’s true king. He’s stayed active, faced top contenders, and continually asked for a unification bout. Meanwhile, Jones continues to delay, offering no confirmation of a return fight, and choosing instead to focus on something far more elusive than the title itself: inner peace.
A Division in Limbo
The UFC’s Heavyweight division has turned into a waiting room with no end in sight. Jones hasn’t fought since capturing the title in March 2023. Aspinall’s interim title win in late 2023 brought hope of a unification bout, but that buzz has since fizzled into frustration.
The fight game waits. Fans are angry. Promoters are unsure.And Jon? Well, Jon has other priorities.
Jon’s Response: No Urgency, Just Peace and Possibility
Speaking publicly for the first time in months about his future as champion, Jon Jones gave a window into his mindset—and it’s not fight-centric:
“I don’t know what life holds as far as fighting and competing,” Jones said. “I do feel like I’ll be a lifelong martial artist whether I’m coaching others or taking exhibition matches and things like that. There’s a lot of great competition still in the UFC.”
Rather than committing to Aspinall or any immediate return to action, Jones emphasized his personal growth and spiritual focus:
“Right now I’m just focusing on love, happiness, kindness… This year I’m saying yes to more opportunities. I’m traveling more. I’m consciously being kinder to people… just love and kindness and peace and focusing on family and focusing on me, my aura.”
He went even further, speaking about acting, mentoring, and transitioning into a new phase of life:
“Just trying to be the best businessman I can be… Try to be a great mentor to some of these young guys that are coming up and make it to heaven.”
And finally, he reaffirmed his connection to the sport—but with no urgency attached:
“I’ll always love MMA. Somehow the universe made me one of the best at it so I’ll always love it.”
Legacy vs. Leadership: The Fight Game is Divided
Jones’ fans point to his résumé—undefeated in the cage, decorated in two divisions, and long considered the GOAT. They argue that if anyone has earned the right to slow down, it’s Jon.
But the growing majority within the MMA community isn’t asking him to hurry—they’re asking him to either fight or step aside. The belt is not just a trophy—it’s a responsibility. And to many, Jones has abandoned that responsibility in favor of personal branding and peace retreats.
What Happens Next?
So far, the UFC has remained silent. Dana White has not addressed the petition directly, nor has he indicated a plan to unify the titles.
The fans, however, have spoken loud and clear: if Jon Jones isn’t coming back soon, someone else should be crowned champion.
Final Word: The Heavyweight Crown Deserves a Fight
Jon Jones has earned his peace. He’s earned his place in MMA history. But as far as the UFC Heavyweight division goes, the clock is ticking. The division needs clarity. Fans need closure. And Tom Aspinall—deserving, dominant, and ready—deserves more than just a placeholder belt.
If Jon Jones is done, say it.If he’s not, then fight.
But holding the title hostage while searching for inner balance? That’s not what champions do.
Stay tuned to FIGHT.TV for the latest on the future of the UFC’s most chaotic division.
