Jon Jones Fans Fight Back: New Petition Launches to Counter Calls to Strip UFC Heavyweight Champ
The battle for Jon “Bones” Jones’ UFC heavyweight championship has spilled outside the octagon and onto the internet. In what’s quickly becoming the petition war of 2023, Jones supporters have launched a counter-offensive against those seeking to strip the controversial champion of his title.
The Petition Battle Royale: What’s Really Going On?
Look, I’ve been covering MMA for years, and I’ve never seen anything quite like this. Last week, critics of Jon Jones launched an online petition demanding the UFC strip him of his heavyweight title. Their reasoning? The usual complaints about Jones’ troubled past and his extended time away from active competition.
But Jones’ loyal fanbase wasn’t about to take this lying down. They’ve responded with their own petition, essentially telling the anti-Jones crowd to kick rocks. It’s like watching two drunk guys argue at a sports bar, except it’s happening with thousands of signatures online.
Why Jones Remains MMA’s Most Divisive Champion
Jones has always been a lightning rod for controversy. From his legal troubles to failed drug tests, the man has given his haters plenty of ammunition. But here’s the thing – he’s also arguably the most talented fighter to ever grace the octagon.
His supporters point to his unmatched resume:
- 26-1 professional record (with the only loss being a DQ)
- Multiple title reigns across two weight classes
- Victories over a murderer’s row of legends including Shogun Rua, Rampage Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans, and Daniel Cormier
- Dominant heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane
The Case Against Stripping Jones
The pro-Jones petition makes several compelling arguments:
| Argument | Details |
|---|---|
| Injury Status | Jones is legitimately recovering from a pectoral tear |
| Champion Activity | Other champions have been inactive for similar periods without being stripped |
| Box Office Draw | Jones remains one of UFC’s biggest PPV attractions |
As one fan wrote in the petition comments, “You can hate the man, but you can’t deny his greatness. Stripping him would be stripping the UFC of its most talented fighter.”
What’s Next for Jones and the Heavyweight Division?
While keyboard warriors battle it out online, the real question remains: when will Jones return to defend his title? The champion has been sidelined with a pectoral injury since his March 2023 victory over Ciryl Gane.
Jones has been vocal about wanting to face former champion Stipe Miocic in his first title defense, though many fans are clamoring for him to face interim champion Tom Aspinall instead.
I’ve spoken with several coaches in the heavyweight division who believe Jones is strategically waiting for the right matchup. “Jon’s always been calculated about who and when he fights,” one trainer told me off the record. “That’s not ducking – that’s smart business.”
The UFC’s Dilemma
Dana White and the UFC brass now face a predicament. Do they:
- Force Jones to face Aspinall to unify the titles
- Grant him the Miocic fight he wants
- Strip him if he refuses to comply with their timeline
My take? The UFC won’t strip Jones based on a fan petition. They’ve consistently shown that box office appeal trumps all other considerations, and love him or hate him, Jones puts butts in seats.
Want to Join the Fight?
Do these online petitions actually matter? Probably not in the grand scheme of things. But they do show the passionate divide Jones creates in the MMA community.
Whether you’re Team Jones or Team Strip-Him, this saga is just another chapter in the complex legacy of a fighter who may be the most gifted – and most controversial – champion in UFC history.
The real verdict will come when Jones eventually returns to the octagon. Until then, the petition war rages on, giving us all something to argue about between fight cards.
What do you think? Should Jones keep his title while recovering from injury, or is it time for the UFC to move on? Drop your take in the comments below!
Source: Vox