Former UFC champion says Jon Jones can't be considered champion unless he faces Tom Aspinall

Tom aspinall (left) holds the interim heavyweight belt, while Jon Jones (dir.) bears the linear. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

The recent statement of Jon Jones, in which he reveals Alex Poatan as his main target if you decide to continue fighting after the UFC 309, this Saturday (16), made many critics of the heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg) conclude that he should give up the title if he does not face the interim champion Tom aspinall. The former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovsky endorsed this view and singled out the British as the biggest threat to 'Jones'.

In a video posted on his YouTube channel, the former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovsky shared his opinion on the heavyweight title situation. The Australian commented on the statement Jon Jones and was firm in stating that he cannot be considered heavyweight champion unless he unifies the title against Tom aspinall.

See too

Alex Poatan is not intimidated, responds to Jon Jones and accepts super fight for the BMF belt: 'It's a call'

On the eve of the UFC 309 fight, Jon Jones uses Conor McGregor's quote to provoke Tom Aspinall

Tom Aspinall shows anxiety and analyzes the fight between Charles do Bronx and Michael Chandler at UFC 309: 'It's going to be pure chaos'

“I'm sure that Jon Jones are tired of hearing this, but the struggle with Tom aspinall is what everyone wants to see. Do you want to be heavyweight champion? Do you want to claim that crown? It's going to be hard to convince me that you're a champion who defends his title if you don't fight Tom aspinall while he is interim champion,” said the former featherweight champion.

Alexander Volkanovski proposes that Jones relinquish the title

Volkanovski admits that Jon Jones Jones has already had a respectable career in MMA and understands the reasons why he would prefer to face Poatan. However, in the Australian's opinion, if Jones really wants to be recognized as a true double champion, he needs to face Aspinall. Otherwise, it would be fairer to give up the belt.

“He already has an incredible legacy. But if you want to conquer the heavyweight division, to say you’re a true double champion, you have to fight Tom aspinall. If you really want that on your resume, 'I was the best heavyweight while I was there,' you need to fight with Tom aspinall. He's definitely the biggest threat. I can see why he's got his eye on Pereira, but then give up the heavyweight belt," Volkanovski concluded.

even though Jon Jones be scheduled to face Stipe Miocic No. UFC 309 and aim for a confrontation against Alex Poatán then there is also the possibility of the heavyweight champion facing Tom aspinall next Saturday (16), as the British fighter is the official reserve for the main fight of the event.