‘Irresponsible’ Jon Jones Gets Urging Message from Fellow Champ Alexander Volkanovski

UFC veteran Alexander Volkanovski mocks Jon Jones for not fighting for the heavyweight title unification bout.

‘Irresponsible’ Jon Jones Gets Urging Message from Fellow Champ Alexander Volkanovski

Alexander Volkanovski questions Jon Jones' responsibility as the heavyweight champion (via Imago)

Becoming a UFC champion is incredibly tough, and only a few elite fighters have managed to reclaim their titles multiple times. Jon Jones and Alexander Volkanovski are standout examples, having ruled the light heavyweight and featherweight divisions with unmatched skill and dominance. However, Jones’ heavyweight reign remains inconsistent due to inactivity, injuries, and unclear future plans inside the octagon.

Since becoming the heavyweight champion, Jones has defended it once, and has consistently denied the title unification bout to Tom Aspinall. The interim champion has grown frustrated after waiting over a year, feeling he’s losing prime years due to constant delays. Recently, Volkanovski in a recent interview with OverDogPodcast, subtly questioned Jones’ legacy as a heavyweight.

If you’re the champ, you defend your belt. It’s a responsibility. You need to be reasonably active. If you’ve got an interim champ, that’s a no-brainer. Don’t hold up the division. I know your resume is incredible, you’re considered the GOAT. So if you don’t want to fight, just retire.

Alexander Volkanovski via OverDogs podcast

Volkanovski had one of the most active title reigns in modern UFC history with five title defenses against top contenders. From 2020 to 2023, he defended the 145-pound title against the likes of Max Holloway (x2), The Korean Zombie, Brian Ortega and Yair Rodriguez.

Now, at the age of 36, he has regained that glory by defeating young and hungry Diego Lopes. The fighter now wants to be as active as possible and is eager to take on the likes of Yair Rodriguez and Movsar Evloev.

Meanwhile, Jones has stalled the heavyweight division, drawing criticism from contenders and fans demanding he be stripped of the title. An online petition highlights public frustration over delays and a lack of clarity regarding future title defenses in the division. Despite the backlash, Jones remains unaffected, having navigated multiple controversies throughout his career.

Former rivals blast Jon Jones over fight delays

Multiple reports say Jon Jones demanded a massive fight purse, which the UFC accepted due to his proven pay-per-view drawing power. Surprisingly, Jones then backtracked on plans and hinted at retirement, without even defending his title against Tom Aspinall. When asked, Dana White expressed helplessness, admitting there’s little he can do if Jones chooses to walk away suddenly.

Jon Jones gets blasted by Daniel Cormier
Jon Jones gets blasted by Daniel Cormier (via X)

Despite uncertainty, Jones stays active on social media, frequently replying to critics and firing back at negative fan comments. He’s also mocked analysts for using his name to build narratives, claiming they’re exploiting his legacy for personal gain. In response, Daniel Cormier delivered a fiery rebuttal, reigniting their old rivalry with sharp words and pointed criticism.

You’re talking about me, Francis, Chael, and almost ignoring the right thing… If I was still fighting today, and I was still the heavyweight champion and Tom Aspinall was the #1 contender, I would’ve already fought him. 1000%.

Daniel Cormier via his YT Channel

Cormier fought Jones twice and lost both times, but he was already 37 and past his physical prime. Back then, Jones was the younger fighter who demanded respect by taking on every top contender available in his division. Now, Jones is the aging champion, avoiding younger challengers, which many fans believe contradicts the standard he once set.

Aspinall declared himself the real champion, claiming Jones has already retired and is avoiding a true title defense. He doesn’t want to repeat Michael Chandler’s mistake, wasting prime years waiting for the Conor McGregor fight. The UFC also seems to support Aspinall, seeing the British star as the future while Jones contemplates retirement seriously.

Jones has also talked about potentially fighting the former heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou in a super heavyweight battle. However, Dana White has already rejected the idea of Ngannou coming back to the promotion.

Also Read: