The UFC heavyweight division faces a unique challenge with two champions currently holding titles: Jon Jones, the undisputed champion, and Tom Aspinall, the interim titleholder. This situation has created some uncertainty as the UFC seeks to arrange a title unification fight, which remains unfinalized due to negotiations with Jones.
Former title challenger and UFC analyst Chael Sonnen has voiced strong opinions on the matter, arguing that Jones should be stripped of the heavyweight championship. On his YouTube channel, Sonnen questioned the purpose of championship belts, stating, "What are belts for? To recognize champions. They are to be defended." He emphasized that titles should not be awarded simply for accomplishments or past performances.
Jon Jones claimed the heavyweight championship by defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. He was set to defend his title against former two-time heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 eight months later but withdrew due to an injury. In Jones' absence, the UFC elevated Tom Aspinall to interim champion after he knocked out Sergei Pavlovich in just 69 seconds.
Despite Aspinall's victory, the title situation became more complicated when Jones and Miocic finally fought at UFC 309 in November 2023, where Jones retained his title via a third-round TKO. Earlier, in April 2023, Aspinall defended his interim championship successfully at UFC 304.
Addressing the interim title, Sonnen explained that the existence of both champions creates confusion, stating, "It is impossible to have an interim champion in the presence of an undisputed champion." He believes that when the match between Jones and Miocic concluded, the interim title should have automatically been rendered inactive.
Sonnen concluded by suggesting that one of the titles needs to be taken away to clarify the situation, highlighting the importance of having a champion actively defend their title. "The company should have already stripped somebody," he insisted. The ongoing uncertainty in the heavyweight division will require urgent attention from UFC officials to resolve and determine a clear path forward for both champions.
