UFC 317 SHOCKER: Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall – The Title Shot Controversy That’s Tearing the UFC Apart!

The UFC heavyweight division is on fire, and UFC 317 has only added fuel to the flames. The biggest question in MMA right now: Who deserves the next title shot? Should it be the legendary Jon Jones, the reigning yet injury-plagued champion, or the surging Tom Aspinall, the British powerhouse holding the interim belt?

The debate is growing louder, and fight fans, analysts, and even UFC insiders are clashing over the future of the division. Is Jon Jones dodging the real challenge? Is Tom Aspinall being robbed of his rightful moment? Buckle up, because the drama surrounding this fight is reaching its boiling point.

Jon Jones: The Undisputed Champion… or the Undeserving One?

Jon Jones, the most polarizing figure in MMA history, made his return to heavyweight in spectacular fashion, dominating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 to capture the title. But since then, Jones has been more absent than active—a torn pectoral muscle forced him out of his scheduled superfight with Stipe Miocic at UFC 295, leaving the division in limbo.

Despite his undeniable greatness, Jones’ inactivity has raised serious questions. With only one heavyweight fight under his belt, many believe he hasn’t truly proven himself in this weight class. The UFC may recognize him as the undisputed champion, but is he really the best heavyweight in the world right now?

Jones has a history of lengthy layoffs, failed drug tests, and contract disputes, which have only added to the controversy. Dana White continues to back him, but fans are growing impatient. With Tom Aspinall demolishing Sergei Pavlovich to claim the interim belt, the UFC has a massive dilemma on its hands.

Does Jon Jones deserve to hold the division hostage? Or should the torch be passed to the next generation?

Tom Aspinall: The Interim Champ Nobody Wants to Acknowledge

If there’s anyone in the UFC heavyweight division deserving of a title shot, it’s Tom Aspinall. The British sensation has been on a dominant tear, finishing opponents with frightening ease. His first-round knockout of Sergei Pavlovich sent shockwaves through the MMA world, proving that Aspinall is not just a top contender—he’s the future of the division.

However, despite holding the interim title, Aspinall is being treated like a second-class champion. He’s ready to fight, willing to take on all comers, yet the UFC is still waiting for Jon Jones to heal. Is the UFC protecting Jones? Or is Aspinall simply not a big enough name to get the push he deserves?

Aspinall himself has expressed frustration over the situation, calling for clarity on his future. Shouldn’t the interim belt mean something? If Jon Jones is unable to fight, why isn’t Aspinall automatically upgraded to undisputed champion?

The situation is eerily similar to what happened with Francis Ngannou, who was forced out of the UFC for wanting clarity on his contract and title reign. Now, the question is: Will the UFC make the same mistake with Aspinall?

The UFC’s Biggest Decision: What Happens at UFC 317?

With UFC 317 approaching, the pressure on the UFC to finalize the heavyweight picture is at an all-time high. Several options are on the table, each carrying massive implications for the division’s future:

1. Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic for the Legacy Fight: The UFC’s original plan was for Jones to fight Miocic, the greatest heavyweight champion in history, before both legends potentially retire. But with Miocic inactive and Jones recovering, this fight no longer makes sense from a competitive standpoint.

2. Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall for the Undisputed Title: This is the fight fans want to see. If Jones is truly the best, he should prove it against the most dangerous active contender. However, will Jones even agree to fight Aspinall? Or will he continue waiting for Miocic?

3. Tom Aspinall Gets Promoted to Undisputed Champion: If Jones remains sidelined, the UFC could strip him of the title, making Aspinall the official champ. This would set up massive title fights against contenders like Ciryl Gane, Sergei Pavlovich, or even a returning Francis Ngannou (if the UFC can lure him back).

The UFC’s decision will determine not just the future of the heavyweight division but also the legacy of Jon Jones and the rise of Tom Aspinall. Will UFC 317 be the moment where the old king is dethroned? Or will Jon Jones continue to reign despite barely fighting?

Final Verdict: Who REALLY Deserves the Title Shot?

The UFC needs to make a choice—and fast. The heavyweight division cannot remain frozen while Jon Jones recovers indefinitely. If he’s unable to fight soon, the logical move is to strip him and let Aspinall take over.

However, if Jones is healthy and willing, then the only fight that makes sense is Jones vs. Aspinall for the undisputed title. Fans want legitimate competition, not legacy fights that hold up the division.

So, will UFC 317 give us the showdown we deserve? Or will the heavyweight division continue to be a circus of delays, politics, and wasted potential?

One thing is certain: The drama is far from over.