Alexander Volkov has added his voice to growing frustration surrounding Jon Jones and the stalled UFC heavyweight title picture.
Volkov (38-11), ranked No. 3 in the UFC’s heavyweight division, believes the delay in scheduling the expected title unification bout between Jones (28-1) and interim champion Tom Aspinall (15-3) is holding the division back. The UFC recently unveiled its summer pay-per-view lineup without confirming a Jones-Aspinall fight date.
“As a fighter, of course, I have a negative opinion about the delay,” Volkov told ChampionAT. “My chances to fight for the championship title are getting smaller, and time is running out.”
The 36-year-old Russian sees limited time left in his career to earn a title shot and feels the division has stalled while other weight classes continue to move forward.
Jones captured the vacant heavyweight title by submitting Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. He returned over a year later to defend it against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024, winning easily. That bout was criticized, as Miocic hadn’t fought since 2021. Meanwhile, Aspinall was left waiting despite having a share of the title.
UFC CEO Dana White has insisted that Jones vs. Aspinall will happen soon, but Jones’ social media behavior has led some to believe retirement is more likely than another fight.
Volkov’s own title push took a hit with a narrow split decision loss to Gane at UFC 310, snapping a four-fight win streak. He knows he still needs another win or two but wants clarity on what’s required.
Though he understands Jones’ business decisions, Volkov questions the UFC’s willingness to allow one fighter to dictate the pace of an entire division.
“Jon does what’s best for him—and he has the right,” Volkov said. “But the UFC allowing it? That’s what stalls everything.”
Photo: Steve Marcus/Getty Images
