After Tom Aspinall vacated his belt, the UFC Heavyweight Division is without an undisputed champion once again. With the throne empty, fighters and fans are talking about Jon Jones, the former champion who retired and left the division behind last year.
Aspinall officially relinquished the undisputed title on Monday, citing ongoing medical complications with his eye that prevent doctors from clearing him to fight. Days later, Olympic gold medalist and UFC heavyweight prospect Gable Steveson stated that the open belt has put “another fire” into his daily training partner.
Gable Steveson Confident Jon Jones’ Time Will Come Again
“Bones” has massive unfinished business in the division. Jones originally announced a sudden retirement and vacated his undisputed heavyweight throne in June 2025, avoiding a highly anticipated unification bout against Aspinall after months of public negotiation stalemates.
However, Jones never completely closed the book on his career. While he briefly claimed his “fighting days are finished” in early 2026, official UFC anti-doping records show that Jones has remained active in the drug-testing pool. He is now logging multiple clean tests throughout 2026 to ensure he stays legally eligible to compete.
Then Tom Aspinall suddenly vacated his title. Gable Steveson didn’t sugarcoat his thoughts when asked about the shifting heavyweight division. Giving an inside look at the former champion’s mindset, the Tokyo Olympic wrestling gold medalist and a two-time NCAA champion told RMC Sport Combat, “I think Jon would like to come back also. Maybe seeing this belt open up put another fire into him.”
Gable Steveson believes Jon Jones wants to come back after seeing Tom Aspinall vacate the heavyweight title 👀
“I think Jon would like to come back also. Maybe seeing this belt open up put another fire into him. I’ve seen what [Jon] can still do, and I know he can do it at the… pic.twitter.com/b6XmRj1WCI
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 16, 2026
Steveson recently made a massive statement in his promotional debut at UFC 329, flattening Elisha Ellison with a devastating first-round knockout. Jones served as his primary training partner throughout that camp. Logging extensive mat time with the former pound-for-pound king gave the young heavyweight prospect a firsthand look at Jones’ current form.
He added: “I’ve seen what [Jon] can still do, and I know he can do it at the highest level. Maybe his time will come again, and I think it will.”
Jones also recently stated that he feels better than ever and is moving like he never left the Octagon. Rather than waiting idly for the UFC to book him a fight, he has spent his time working through severe arthritis in his left hip using advanced stem cell therapy.
With him legally eligible to compete again, it remains to be seen if any comeback talks will progress with UFC CEO Dana White.
Tom Aspinall’s Health Update
Fans had hoped to see the Aspinall vs. Ciryl Gane rematch headline UFC 334. However, a freak sparring accident in late August fractured his orbital wall and reopened the structural damage. Aspinall did not hide his heartbreak when addressing his medical status.
In an official statement, Aspinall added, “We have worked closely with different doctors and specialists to try and make my return happen, but unfortunately, it’s simply not possible right now.”
So, Aspinall won’t be returning to the Octagon anytime soon. With his right eye remaining a serious medical concern despite going through four surgeries, doctors have officially ordered him to rest and wait until January for a full reassessment.
