UFC legend Jon Jones is once again making waves—not in the Octagon, but on social media—after a massive online petition demanding he vacate his UFC heavyweight title hit over 185,000 signatures. While fans of interim champion Tom Aspinall rally behind the movement, Jones has delivered a trademark response that mixes sarcasm with dominance, making it clear he's not handing over his crown anytime soon.
Petition Pressure? Jon Jones is unbothered
Despite a growing outcry from MMA fans calling for Jones to relinquish the heavyweight belt, the reigning champion appears entirely unfazed. The movement, spearheaded by supporters of Tom Tom Aspinall, is rapidly approaching its 200,000-signature milestone.
Their argument is simple: Jones has not defended his title since defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2023, and with the GOAT now teasing retirement and eyeing other potential fights, fans feel the belt is being held hostage.
But if the fans thought the petition would shake Jon Jones, they were sorely mistaken.
“Instead of signing some petition, I’m gonna need at least 200 five-page essays from TA fans around the world,” Jones tweeted mockingly. “Double spaced, MLA format. Convince me. My team will pick their favorites and get back to you… Eventually.”
With his signature blend of sarcasm and self-assurance, Jones has made it abundantly clear: signatures alone won’t sway him.
Tom Aspinall chases the crown, not just the fight
While Aspinall remains respectful, he’s made no secret that he’s gunning for Jon Jones’ undisputed heavyweight belt. In the absence of any confirmed matchup, frustration is bubbling over among fans who believe the British star has earned his shot and that the division is being held in limbo.
Jones, meanwhile, has not signaled any concrete plans to return for a title defense. With retirement on the table and potential super-fights still being floated, the clock continues to tick on his reign as the king of the heavyweight jungle.
Will the UFC step in?
As the debate intensifies, pressure may soon mount on the UFC brass to intervene. With Tom Aspinall holding the interim title for nearly a year, and no unification bout in sight, the promotion might eventually be forced to take a stance if Jones remains inactive.
For now, though, Jon Jones holds the power—and he’s wielding it with his usual mix of flair and defiance.