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The heavyweight division in MMA is currently facing a challenging situation due to the ongoing controversy surrounding its champions. At the center of the debate are Jon Jones, the current heavyweight champion, and Tom Aspinall, the interim titleholder.
Despite repeated calls from Aspinall to unify the titles, Jones has remained focused on securing a fight with Stipe Miocic, whom he considers a crucial opponent for his legacy. This stance has sparked significant frustration within the MMA community, with many fans and commentators accusing Jones of holding up the division.
Aspinall, fresh off his title defense against Curtis Blaydes, once again called out Jon Jones, urging him to step into the octagon and settle the championship dispute. However, Jones has largely dismissed these challenges, reiterating his intent to fight Miocic instead.
"My focus is on Stipe, he actually wrestled division one," Jones wrote on X.
"Best heavyweight of all time as of right now. Maybe Tom will go on and beat Stipe's record one day, right now I'm focussing on goat things."
Speculation over Jones's intentions
This has led to growing speculation about whether Jones is intentionally avoiding a fight with Aspinall. Jones, however, has pushed back against these claims, arguing that it's impossible to dodge a fight that hasn't been officially negotiated.
"I had already voiced that I wasn't interested in anymore randoms," he noted. "Now, magically, I'm ducking a fight that's never been negotiated or discussed at any table that matters. Lol I'm sticking to my plans, Jon Jones jumps for no one,"
In the midst of this controversy, Jones shared photos on Instagram showing him teaching Muay Thai to young fighters, seemingly unfazed by the ongoing criticism.
Jones's decision to hold onto his title while pursuing a fight with Miocic, who hasn't competed in two years, has not been well received. Fans have voiced their discontent, calling for Jones to either defend his title against Aspinall or step aside.