Volkov Calls Out Jon Jones and UFC for Holding Up Heavyweight Division
Photo taken from: docsports.com
Top UFC heavyweight contender Alexander Volkov has voiced his frustration with the lack of activity in the division, pointing the finger at the champion Jon Jones and the UFC's unwillingness to book a fight.
Volkov (38-11 MMA, 12-5 UFC), ranked No. 3 in the division, believes his shot at the title is slipping away due to the prolonged delay in booking a unification bout between Jon Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall.
“My chances to fight for the championship title are getting smaller, and time is running out,” Volkov told ChampionAT. “In other weight classes, there is a conveyor belt of fights. That’s why I’m unhappy. I could’ve tested myself in a title fight long ago if it weren’t for Jon Jones.”
Jones Holding Up the Division
Jones (28-1 MMA, 22-1 UFC) hasn’t fought since defending his belt at UFC 309 in November 2024, when he TKO’d a 42-year-old Stipe Miocic. Prior to that, he won the vacant heavyweight title in March 2023 with a quick submission over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.
Despite months of speculation and multiple assurances from UFC president Dana White that Jones vs. Aspinall will happen, the fight remains unscheduled. The delay has left Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) in limbo and top contenders like Volkov without a clear path forward.
Everyone is waiting, the issue isn’t just Jon Jones. It’s that the UFC allows him to behave this way and shows excessive loyalty.
Volkov Understands the Game But Wants Clarity
Volkov, 36, saw a four-fight win streak snapped in a controversial split decision loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC 310 in December. Despite the setback, White publicly stated that the Russian should’ve won, keeping Volkov firmly in the title conversation.
Still, the veteran knows the clock is ticking.
“If I were in Jones’ position, with his status and ability to earn maximum money, I’d probably do the same,” Volkov said. “But the UFC enabling it is what’s holding up the division.”
With no fight currently booked, Volkov’s title hopes now rest on one of two outcomes: Jones returning soon—or vacating the belt entirely.
Until then, the UFC heavyweight title picture remains on hold.