As the UFC heavyweight division continues to sit in limbo, fans and analysts alike are questioning whether it’s finally time for the promotion to take decisive action regarding Jon Jones—and what should be done with interim champion Tom Aspinall.

UFC: Jon Jones vs Tom Aspinall - why Briton deserves undisputed heavyweight fight in numbers - BBC Sport

Jon Jones: The Waiting Game Has Gone Too Far?

Jon Jones has not fought since capturing the UFC heavyweight title in March 2023 against Ciryl Gane. A torn pectoral muscle forced him out of the originally scheduled bout with Stipe Miocic in late 2023, and since then, there’s been no definitive return date. While Jones has maintained that he plans to fight again—particularly insisting on facing Miocic—many are beginning to wonder: is it time to move on?

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Critics argue that holding up the division for one legacy fight, especially when both men are aging and inactive, is doing more harm than good. As respected analyst Luke Thomas recently put it: “This is not how championship belts are supposed to work. If you’re not defending it, you should be stripped.”

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Tom Aspinall: An Interim Champ With Nowhere to Go

In the meantime, Tom Aspinall has been left holding the UFC’s interim heavyweight title since his spectacular knockout win over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. Despite that momentum, Aspinall hasn’t fought since—and that’s not entirely his fault. The UFC has seemingly been waiting for Jones-Miocic to materialize before deciding Aspinall’s future.

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Now, fans are demanding clarity. Should Aspinall be elevated to full champion status? Or should he defend the interim belt to keep the division alive?

He simply isn't at a point...' UFC legend outlines the one condition why he thinks Jon Jones will fight Tom Aspinall

Some have floated the idea of a title defense against Jailton Almeida, Ciryl Gane (in a rematch), or even Curtis Blaydes. While these fights may not be as commercially huge as a Jones matchup, they would provide necessary movement in a stagnating division.

Jon Jones has a concern'… UFC legend says the heavyweight champion has a major worry over fighting Tom Aspinall

What Should Happen Now?

There are a few clear paths forward:

    Strip Jon Jones and promote Aspinall to undisputed champion.

    Schedule Aspinall vs. a top contender for an interim title defense while keeping Jones vs. Miocic on standby.

    Announce a deadline for Jones to return—otherwise, the belt changes hands.

 

Tom Aspinall reveals what he's working on while he waits for Jon Jones fight… 'It's really interesting'

 

While Jones’ legacy as one of the greatest of all time is undisputed, the UFC must eventually prioritize the sport over sentiment. If Jon can’t fight in 2024, then the belt—and the division—should move on.

 Final Thoughts

Fans are growing impatient. Tom Aspinall is in his prime, and the heavyweight division is filled with hungry contenders. The UFC must decide: does it continue to wait for a legacy bout that may never happen, or does it breathe life back into a division starved for action?