Not everyone has abandoned hope for a UFC heavyweight title unification bout between **Jon Jones** and **Tom Aspinall**.
For the past 18 months, the heavyweight division within MMA`s premier organization has been divided, featuring two reigning champions.
It has been clear for some time that the interim titleholder, **Aspinall**, is eager to unify the belts. However, **Jones**`s frequent dismissal of the possibility of fighting **Aspinall** has understandably caused frustration for the British fighter.
**Aspinall** is far from alone in this feeling; numerous fellow fighters, fans, and analysts have similarly accused **Jones** of effectively `holding the title hostage` through his inactivity.
Many who share this view have come close to ruling out any chance of **Jones** facing **Aspinall**, but one prominent UFC fighter believes they should reconsider.
Gilbert Burns Explains Why Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall Is Bound to Happen
During a recent episode of his podcast, Show Me The Money, welterweight contender **Gilbert Burns** offered his perspective on the ongoing heavyweight title picture.
While many in the MMA community remained skeptical after UFC CEO **Dana White** assured fans that the **Jones** vs. **Aspinall** fight would eventually occur, `Durinho` agrees with **White** and is notably confident the matchup will reach the cage in the near future.
“I think so,” **Burns** stated when asked about the likelihood of positive negotiations happening for **Jones** behind the scenes.
“Their food is boiling and people [complain], and eventually **Jon Jones** says, ‘Yes, I’m fighting!’ And everyone’s going to tune in,” he said, suggesting the public pressure will mount.
“**Jon Jones** has a lot to lose, right? But let’s just think…that fight happens…let’s presume that **Tom Aspinall** wins. Bro, **Jon Jones** has so [many] excuses! ‘I had a year layoff, I was old, this and that.’ He’s not going to 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’m telling you guys right now, that fight is happening. I’m that sure.”
Petition Calling to Strip Jon Jones Exceeds 150,000 Signatures
Contrary to **Burns**`s optimistic outlook, a significant number of fans appear to disagree with the current situation and have taken direct action.
A petition advocating for the UFC to strip **Jones** of the heavyweight title recently emerged and has gained considerable momentum. After gathering approximately 20,000 signatures in its first week, it went viral, causing the count to rapidly climb past the 150,000 mark in the subsequent week.
The description on the change.org petition highlights concerns about **Jones**`s inactivity, noting he “is now the longest reigning champion in UFC heavyweight history and has only fought 2 times in that period.” It continues by pointing out, “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,” the petition concludes.
**Jones** briefly addressed the petition when the signature count was low but has not commented on it since it dramatically increased.
Although it is unlikely this petition will solely dictate the UFC`s decision-making regarding **Jones**, it undeniably serves as a strong indicator of the growing public dissatisfaction with the ongoing delay in resolving the heavyweight title picture.
Percy Harlow