John Jones is accused by Michael Bisping for causing the setback in the progress of the heavyweight division.
Michael Bisping Calls for Jon Jones to Defend Title Against Tom Aspinall
UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping has urged heavyweight champion Jon Jones to defend his title against interim champion Tom Aspinall or vacate it. According to MMA Junkie, Bisping criticized Jones for his reluctance to face Aspinall.
Bisping expressed his frustration, stating that it's frustrating for Aspinall and fans as he has predicted that Aspinall would "smash" Jones. He further criticized Jones, noting that the current champion had opportunities when he was young and rising in the sport, and he expects the same consideration for Aspinall now.
"Defend the belt or vacate it. It's simple," Bisping asserted. He also disagreed with Jones' behavior, labeling it as "terrible" if Jones is merely stalling to keep the belt without any intention of fighting.
Jones was last seen in the octagon in November 2021, defeating Stipe Miocic in the third round. In contrast, Aspinall defended his interim title last summer, knocking out Curtis Blaydes in the opening round.
Some fans and members of the MMA community are growing increasingly frustrated with Jones' inactivity and lack of engagement with Aspinall for a unification fight. An online petition has been launched calling for Jones to be stripped of his title, but the impact on Jones or the UFC's decision-making remains uncertain.
Bookmakers might consider Jones' title as up for grabs in the world of mixed-martial-arts, given Bisping's calls for him to defend against Tom Aspinall. Bisping's public criticism of Jones' reluctance to face Aspinall could also influence betting odds for a potential matchup between the two heavyweights.
