A petition to strip Jon Jones of the UFC heavyweight title has gained attention, but UFC commentator Jon Anik believes Jones is unfazed by it, as he anticipates a significant fight with interim champion Tom Aspinall, potentially in December, which could be a major event for the UFC.
A petition to strip Jon Jones of the UFC heavyweight title has caught some attention. Jones himself joked about it, hoping it would reach 200,000 signatures. But honestly, he probably doesn’t care much.
Veteran UFC commentator Jon Anik shared his thoughts on the situation. The delays in booking a fight between Jones and interim champ Tom Aspinall have been dragging on. Aspinall even cheekily congratulated Jones on his “retirement” and declared himself the champion, though neither is true.
Jones still holds the belt and often hints at a comeback. Anik doesn’t think Jones is losing sleep over the petition. “A fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall is bigger if they’re both champions,” Anik said at the UFC 316 pre-fight presser.
He’s hopeful for a December showdown in Vegas, though he admits he has no insider info. “I don’t know that Jon Jones really gives a rip if they strip him,” Anik added. “He’s still going to fight Tom, hopefully, and it’s still going to be a bag.”
Jones laughing off the calls to strip him makes Anik’s logic hard to argue with. Plus, having Jones face an interim champ like Aspinall is a promotional goldmine for the UFC.
Jones recently hinted at being sworn to secrecy about UFC plans. Aspinall, on the other hand, is eager for an announcement about his future.
The UFC is planning events into August and September, making a Jones vs. Aspinall fight unlikely before year-end. But options abound.
As Anik noted, a big event is expected in Vegas to close out the year, with November often hosting a pay-per-view at Madison Square Garden. It’s where Jones defeated former champ Stipe Miocic.
While the exact date remains elusive, UFC CEO Dana White has promised Jones vs. Aspinall will happen sometime in 2025.