Sat Jun 21 21:50:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**

**UFC Heavyweight Division in Limbo: Calls Grow to Strip Jon Jones of Title**

The future of the UFC heavyweight division remains uncertain as calls mount for Jon Jones to be stripped of his title due to inactivity. Jones, who won the championship in 2023 and has only defended it once since, last fought in November against Stipe Miocic, neglecting interim champion Tom Aspinall.

Aspinall has held the interim belt for 18 months, but a unification bout with Jones has failed to materialize. UFC President Dana White claims the promotion has been trying to finalize the contest, but Jones has been non-committal, hinting at retirement and taunting Aspinall on social media.

Rising contenders such as Curtis Blaydes are among those advocating for Jones to be stripped. “If he’s not going to be active, what is he doing holding the belt?” Blaydes stated. Risvan Kuniev echoed these sentiments, referring to Aspinall as the true champion.

While the UFC aims to book a fight between Jones and Aspinall, possibly in New York or Las Vegas, Jones has suggested that fighting Aspinall does nothing for his legacy, even calling out former champion Francis Ngannou.

If Jones were to retire or be stripped, Aspinall would become the undisputed heavyweight champion. Potential contenders for Aspinall include France’s Ciryl Gane, who has twice challenged for the title. Other possible opponents are Alexander Volkov and Jailton Almeida.

With Jones’ future uncertain, the UFC heavyweight division remains in a state of limbo, leaving fighters and fans alike eager for clarity.

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