Longtime UFC commentator Jon Anik offered his thoughts on the ongoing situation surrounding Jon Jones and his heavyweight title. Despite an online petition advocating for Jones to be stripped of the belt gaining traction, and Jones himself humorously endorsing it, Anik believes the champion is largely indifferent to such efforts.
Anik addressed the petition, which has seen increased interest due to prolonged delays in scheduling a fight between Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall. Aspinall has gone as far as jokingly declaring himself the undisputed champion, but Jones technically retains the title.
Jones has consistently hinted at a return to active competition. This leads Anik to conclude that the fighter widely regarded as one of the greatest of all time isn`t troubled by online campaigns aimed at removing his championship status.
“So I think a fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall is bigger if they are both champions,” Anik stated during the UFC 316 pre-fight press conference. “I’m hopeful they’re going to fight in December in Las Vegas. I have no inside information.”
He elaborated on Jones`s potential mindset: “But I don’t know that Jon Jones really gives a rip if they strip him of the heavyweight championship. He’s still going to fight Tom, hopefully, and it’s still going to be a bag [a significant payday].”
Anik`s perspective aligns with Jones`s public behavior, as the champion has reportedly brushed off suggestions of being stripped of the UFC heavyweight title.
Furthermore, Jones holding the undisputed championship while facing an interim titleholder like Aspinall provides the UFC with a straightforward and powerful narrative for promoting what could become the biggest fight in the history of the heavyweight division.
Regarding potential timing, Jones recently mentioned he is bound by secrecy concerning the UFC`s plans for the matchup, while Aspinall has frequently expressed anticipation for an announcement. Given that the UFC is already planning events several months in advance, it appears unlikely that Jones and Aspinall will meet before the final quarter of the year.
Nevertheless, several options remain. Anik suggested a potential year-end mega-event in Las Vegas. November typically hosts a major pay-per-view card at Madison Square Garden in New York, the venue where Jones secured the vacant title against Stipe Miocic last year.
While the exact fight date remains unconfirmed, UFC CEO Dana White has consistently promised that Jones vs. Aspinall is planned to take place sometime in 2025.
Marcus Blakely