Despite only defending the belt once, Jon Jones has held the UFC heavyweight title for over two years.
There has been a feeling for some time now that the division needs to move on regardless of what the champion’s plans are.
The fans have voiced their opinions via a petition for the UFC to strip Jones of the belt which ‘Bones’ referenced in a recent social media post.
He’s clearly not too worried about what people think about his title reign and how it impacts the division with interim champion Tom Aspinall being forced to remain inactive.
Another top heavyweight recently spoke out about this when he stated that the holdup between Jones and Aspinall is negatively impacting his career also.
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Alexander Volkov understands the UFC’s decision to not strip Jon Jones even if it negatively impacts his career
As the #3-ranked contender in the heavyweight division, the only names above Alexander Volkov are Ciryl Gane, Tom Aspinall and Jon Jones.
The Russian’s last fight saw him lose a split decision to Gane which many, Dana White included, believed that he deserved to win.
In any regular circumstance, it seems likely that Volkov would’ve been lined up for a title shot and that’s where his frustrations come from, telling ChampionAT that the UFC is giving Jones privileges, which he’s taking advantage of.
In a new interview with Red Corner MMA, ‘Drago’ said that while it’s not what is best for him personally, he can understand why the promotion wouldn’t make the decision to strip ‘Bones’ of the belt.
“Well, if we consider this a true sport, probably yes but the UFC is a show business first of all. Jon Jones generates a lot of money for the organization. From a financial standpoint, he’s good for business. Even with his current status, he brings attention.”
Volkov continued, stating that while Jones isn’t active right now, he has still done more for the UFC than any of the other top names in the division right now.
“He’s done, and is still doing, much more for the UFC than any of us therefore his value as a champion should be calculated not just in terms of the sport, but also in terms of his media presence. So, if the UFC keeps him [as champion], that means it’s good business for them.”
Alexander Volkov turned down a matchup with another top heavyweight
While Alexander Volkov doesn’t exactly have time on his side at 36-years-old, he’s not interested in fighting for the sake of staying active either.
Reports came out last month in regards to a matchup between the Russian and Brazil’s Jailton Almeida, who currently occupies the #6-ranking.
Volkov shut these rumors down via a video posted to his social media platforms where he stated that he “didn’t see any point in fighting the 6th ranked fighter.”
Having already faced other top contenders in Gane, Sergei Pavlovich and Curtis Blaydes, it’s hard to see what Volkov’s next step will be at this moment.