UFC champion Jon Jones has recently faced significant criticism from fans amidst the latest phase of his storied career.
This backlash coincides with interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall breaking UFC records since securing his title at UFC 295 in November 2023.
A potential title unification bout between Jones and Aspinall is widely considered the biggest fight possible in the sport right now, and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding its booking is leading to growing frustration among fans.
Aspinall himself has voiced his impatience, stating he`s “had enough” and is prepared to move on from pursuing a fight with Jones if it doesn`t materialize soon.
Even positive updates from Dana White about the prospective Jones vs. Aspinall fight haven`t curbed the negative reactions on social media whenever `Bones` is seen engaging in activities other than preparing for his return to the Octagon.
Jon Jones preempts fan criticism by confirming he’s doing ‘everything but fighting’ in a new post
While Tom Aspinall waits for his chance to unify the heavyweight belts, Jon Jones has been busy with a trip to Thailand.
The reigning UFC heavyweight champion has been filming for a new reality series, similar to ‘The Ultimate Fighter’, alongside Nate Diaz and has partaken in various other activities during his time there.
Following comments during a recent Instagram live stream and a video posted with Hasbullah, fans took to social media to vent their frustrations, accusing Jones of “doing everything except fighting Tom Aspinall.”
Jones`s latest activity involves teaching an MMA seminar at the well-regarded Bangtao gym in Phuket on May 31st.
Given his current location in Thailand and previous experience coaching seminars at the gym, the news itself isn`t entirely unexpected.
However, in light of the recent fan reactions to his activities, Jones decided to get ahead of the criticism. In a comment below the seminar announcement, he confirmed, yes, he is indeed “doing everything but fighting.”
Bangtao invites fans to learn the kick Jon Jones used to stop Stipe Miocic
Almost everything Jon Jones does publicly seems to attract criticism, as evidenced by the numerous Tom Aspinall GIFs posted under the seminar announcement.
`Bones` may not currently be the most popular fighter among some fans, but putting that aside, the opportunity for people to train and learn directly from one of the sport`s greatest is a significant draw offered by Bangtao.
The gym`s announcement specifically highlighted that attendees could learn the spinning back kick that Jones used to secure his victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last November.
This detail underscores that the issue for fans isn`t Jones`s skill or performance inside the Octagon – he`s still recognized as one of the best ever – but rather their impatience with the delay in the title unification fight against an interim champion who is setting records during his wait.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley