Jon Jones is currently the UFC heavyweight champion, having won the title by defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in early 2023. The belt was up for grabs as Francis Ngannou had relinquished it upon leaving the promotion after beating Gane at UFC 270 in early 2022.
Curtis Blaydes, ranked No. 4, believes that his upcoming bout against interim champion Tom Aspinall at UFC 304 on July 27 will determine the “real” heavyweight champion. Blaydes thinks that Jon Jones has yet to establish himself as a legitimate heavyweight, considering Aspinall as the rightful titleholder.
Jon Jones has been awaiting a title defense against Stipe Miocic for more than a year, but a setback due to an injury has delayed the fight. The timing of this bout remains uncertain, but Jones may face difficulties in retaining his champion status following UFC 304.
