If the UFC heavyweight division is a reality show, it’s called “Catch Up with the Heavyweight” and John Jones becomes a star who never appears in the reunion episode.
Who is the real king? John Jones, Tom Aspinoll and Francis Ngannow heavyweight drama
Let’s set the stage. UFC heavyweight champion John Jones is the king who trolls on both social media and the Octagon. British interim champion Tom Aspinoll has long held his “temporary” belt, setting the UFC record for the longest interim rule over 530 days, essentially the UFC eternity. And it appears to be exposed to the moonlight like a PFL Kingpin, clearly opening to UFC returns.
John Jones and Francis Ngannow agree to match
On Twitter, UFC heavyweight champion John Jones said:
“I’ve heard Francis Ngannow still interested… We’re talking now. It’s a real super fight. It’s not just a hype, it’s a champ’s clash. He held the UFC belt. I’ve defended my king for over a decade.
UFC Liner and PFL champion Francis Ngannow replied:
“You’ll take care of the UFC and take care of the PFL. Finally, you’ll find out if you’re the heavyweight king or not.”
With his new victory over Stipe Miocic, Jones was to unify his belt at Aspinall. Instead, he’s busy with X (formerly Twitter) and throws shade on Aspinall’s qualifications and grappling skills. The famous English black belt is laughing “like getting the participation ribbon.” When pushed over about his fight with Aspinel, Jones said he would win by “not even giving him a chance.”
Meanwhile, the world of MMA is losing patience. A fan petition demanding Jones be stripped of his title has earned over 185,000 signatures.
Tom Aspinel is left at the championship Limbo on his side. He defended the interim belt in an epic way, but the elusive Jones has kept him waiting so long, and Aspinel’s interim rule is now the longest in UFC history. Aspinall himself began to sound like he was waiting for a bus that he might never come, even suggesting that Jones has already retired and that the UFC should quickly make decisions about the future of the department.
When he thought the plot could not be thickened, coach Francis Ngannow revealed that “predators” were open to returning to the UFC. Jones quickly got better, calling his fight with ngannou a “real superfight” and claiming that it would do more than face aspinol for his legacy.
John Jones teases his retirement, trolls his rivals, flirting in the battle of Francis Ngannow while Aspinel waits on his wings, and his provisional belt gathers dust. Ngannou, on the other hand, is a direct champion in exile and is ready to return if the price (and drama) is right.
For now, the heavyweight division remains on the left, with fans, fighters and even UFC brass speculating on what John Jones will do next.