The UFC is no stranger to drama, but Jon Jones is once again proving that when it comes to playing the system—he’s the undisputed champion. As the reigning heavyweight king continues to hold the division hostage, fans and fighters alike are starting to ask the question the UFC doesn’t want to answer:

Is Jon Jones making the UFC look like fools? And worse… are they letting it happen on purpose?

What did UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones say about a potential fight with Tom Aspinall? - AS USA

Jones Hasn’t Fought in Over a Year… and No One’s Saying a Word

Since defeating Ciryl Gane in March 2023 to claim the vacant heavyweight title, Jon Jones hasn’t defended his belt once. His highly anticipated bout with Stipe Miocic was scheduled for late 2023, but an injury forced Jones to pull out. Since then? Silence.

Jon Jones advised to avoid 'young and hungry' Tom Aspinall by former UFC fighter: 'He should just walk away'

Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall—who won the interim title with a first-round KO of Sergei Pavlovich—has been waiting, training, and calling for a shot to unify the belts. But instead of giving fans the fight that makes the most sense, the UFC seems content to let Jones do… well, whatever he wants.

And that’s the problem.

Tom Aspinall blasts 'scared' Jon Jones for 'manipulating' UFC fans

The “GOAT” Is Playing the System, and UFC Is Just Smiling

Jon Jones has always been a master of controlling the narrative. From suspensions and legal trouble to contract negotiations and now injury timelines, he’s never been afraid to bend the rules. But now, with Jones deep into his 30s and seemingly uninterested in active competition, fans are left wondering if he’s just waiting out Miocic for a legacy fight and then riding off into the sunset.

Tom Aspinall Questions Jon Jones' Reluctance To Fight Him

No title defenses. No unification bout. No interest in fighting the younger, hungrier contenders like Aspinall or Blaydes.

As MMA journalist Luke Thomas put it:

“The UFC is supposed to be the best fighting the best. But Jon Jones has rewritten that rule—and Dana White is letting him.”

Tom Aspinall Plans to 'Cause Few Scenes' at Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic in Hopes of Securing the Winner for Title Fight - The SportsRush

Meanwhile, Tom Aspinall Is Treated Like a Side Character

Aspinall has done everything right. He’s marketable. He finishes fights. He holds the interim belt. But he’s stuck in limbo, with Dana White repeatedly dodging questions about when—or even if—he’ll fight Jon Jones.

Fans are frustrated. Fighters are confused. And Jon? He’s posting on X (Twitter), teasing his return, mentioning God, greatness, and goats—while not actually fighting.

The message is clear: If you’re Jon Jones, the rules don’t apply.

Tom Aspinall Has A Positive Take On Jones' Promotional Tactics

Is UFC Protecting Jones—or Just Afraid to Move On?

Why is the UFC allowing this? The cynical view is that Jones vs. Miocic is the “money fight”, and the UFC is chasing a final cash grab before both legends retire. But in doing so, the promotion is risking the integrity of its heavyweight division—and its own reputation.

What it's like to be Jon Jones – no, the other one

You can’t claim to be the pinnacle of combat sports while holding back your most deserving contenders for the sake of legacy matchmaking.

Final Word: The Greatest of All Time… or the Greatest Manipulator?

Jon Jones is a once-in-a-generation talent. His legacy is undeniable. But right now, he’s not acting like a champion—he’s acting like a businessman, and the UFC is letting him run the show.

And in doing so, they’re not just delaying fights.
They’re turning the UFC heavyweight title into a joke.