The UFC’s heavyweight division is at a boiling point, and Jon Jones is right at the center of it. A Change.org petition demanding the UFC strip him of his heavyweight crown has exploded past 50,000 signatures, amplifying a growing movement calling for change at the top of the division.
Why Are Fans Turning on Jon Jones?
The petition, launched on May 14, 2025, by a user known as “Tony_Has_Died,” accuses Jon Jones of derailing the division with prolonged inactivity and a refusal to unify the title with interim champion Tom Aspinall. In just under two weeks, the online campaign has transformed into a viral protest, reflecting widespread frustration among MMA fans.
The petition’s message pulls no punches:
“Jon Jones has fought only twice as heavyweight champion and has remained sidelined while Tom Aspinall continues to defend the interim title. The division cannot progress until the real champion fights.”
A Champion Missing in Action
Jones captured the vacant heavyweight belt in March 2023 with a swift submission win over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. But since then, fans have seen little of the legend in action. His only title defense came in late 2023, and a torn pectoral muscle sustained in 2024 has kept him out ever since.
That’s nearly 800 days at the top with just two fights to show for it.
Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall claimed the interim title by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in November 2023 and has already defended it successfully. The contrast in activity levels is stark, and it’s fueling a sense that Jones is blocking the division’s forward movement.
Tom Aspinall Is Done Waiting
Aspinall, never shy about his ambitions, has openly criticized Jones for dragging his feet. In a recent interview, he laid it out:
“If anyone else was out this long, they’d have been stripped. I’ve stayed active, I’ve defended my belt. I’m ready. Why isn’t he?”
The British contender is healthy, hungry, and eager for a title unification bout. But with Jones reportedly more interested in a legacy fight against Stipe Miocic, a matchup that’s been postponed with no confirmed date, Aspinall’s frustration is echoing loudly through the MMA world.
Jones Responds… Barely
Jon Jones has responded to the backlash with a mix of cryptic social media posts and deflection. Citing his age and career achievements, the 37-year-old appeared dismissive of the growing pressure, quoting Drake lyrics and even hinting that his UFC journey might be winding down:
“I’ve beaten the best. Now it’s about finishing strong and making a great movie.”
While some fans see that as a retirement tease, others view it as Jones dodging a rightful challenge from Aspinall.
UFC Under Fire: Will They Take Action?
So far, UFC President Dana White has stayed neutral, saying Jones vs. Aspinall “will happen” but providing no date or confirmation. With the division effectively frozen, calls for action are getting louder by the day.
This fan-led petition is now one of the largest grassroots movements in recent MMA memory. And it’s not just about wanting a fight. It’s about legitimacy, fairness, and holding champions accountable.
Social Media Storm: #StripTheDuck Goes Viral
Across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Reddit, hashtags like #StripTheDuck and #FreeTheHeavyweightDivision have gone viral. Memes, callouts, and fan-made videos have painted Jones as the roadblock to progress in the division.
Some have even pointed out that other champions have been stripped or forced to vacate titles for less time off.
What Lies Ahead?
As of May 26, 2025, the campaign shows no signs of slowing. Fans are fed up, and the UFC may soon face a tough choice: wait indefinitely for Jones to return or hit reset on the division by stripping the belt and moving forward with Aspinall.
Whether Jon Jones eventually steps into the Octagon again or not, one thing is clear. Fans are no longer content with silence and delays. The heavyweight division demands resolution, and time is running out.
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