The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight landscape and title picture remain stagnant, with absolutely no resolution in sight. Champion Jon Jones holds the undisputed title but refuses to defend it against interim champion Tom Aspinall.
While UFC CEO Dana White is convinced Jones will defend his title, he seems to be retired, or at least he’s hinting at it.
This deadlock at the division’s top leaves contenders like No. 3-ranked Alexander Volkovwithout a clear path forward. At 36, Volkov feels his window to compete for the Heavyweight title is closing.
“As a fighter, I have a negative opinion about the delay of the Jones-Aspinall fight because my chances to compete for the championship title are shrinking, and time is running out,” Volkov recently told ChampionAT. “In other weight classes, there’s a steady stream of fights. That’s why I’m unhappy. I could have tested myself in a title fight long ago if it weren’t for Jon Jones. Everyone is waiting.”
“If I were in Jones’ position, with his status, the goal of earning maximum money, and the desire to fight only when it suits him, I’d probably do the same,” Volkov added. “The issue isn’t just Jon Jones but the UFC’s excessive loyalty, allowing him to behave this way.”
Volkov (38-11) has not competed since his very controversial split-decision loss to Ciryl Gane last December at UFC 310.
The Russian had an opportunity to stay active against Jailton Almeida but turned down the Brazilian, waiting for “a more interesting offer.”
To checkout UFC’s upcoming schedule of events click here.
