Podcast Summary: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – "The W.A.D.E. Concept - STRIP JON JONES.."
Release Date: June 1, 2025
Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts and The Volume
Description: The Herd with Colin Cowherd navigates the top sports stories of the day with a thought-provoking and opinionated approach. In this episode, the focus is on the controversial stance of the UFC regarding Jon Jones' heavyweight championship and the rising support for Tom Aspinall as the rightful champion.
1. The Petition to Strip Jon Jones of the Heavyweight Title (00:36 - 05:00)
The episode delves into the growing discontent among MMA fans concerning Jon Jones' retention of the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Championship. A petition has amassed over 133,000 verified signatures urging the UFC to strip Jones of his title in favor of promoting Tom Aspinall or arranging a championship fight between them.
Notable Quote:
"Jon Jones is refusing to fight. There's no reason for him to hold the belt."
— Host (00:45)
2. Tom Aspinall: The Undisputed Heavyweight Champion in Waiting (05:01 - 07:30)
The host argues that Tom Aspinall has proven himself as the rightful interim champion by defending his belt consistently. Aspinall is portrayed as ready and willing to fight Jones, contrasting sharply with Jones' reluctance.
Notable Quote:
"Tom Aspinall truly is and should be the heavyweight champion of the world."
— Host (06:15)
3. UFC's Reluctance and Potential Motives (07:31 - 10:00)
The discussion shifts to speculations about the UFC's hesitation to strip Jones, including potential contractual obligations or strategic delays tied to new TV rights deals. The host criticizes the UFC's strategies, suggesting they prioritize short-term gains over the sport's integrity.
Notable Quote:
"The UFC is probably moving either from ESPN Plus to another distributor or behind ESPN's new paywall."
— Host (08:45)
4. Media Influence and Narrative Control (10:01 - 12:30)
Highlighting the shift in media dynamics, the host points out that unlike the past, today's MMA media landscape is decentralized with influencers like Lucas Tracy and Ariel Helwani wielding significant sway. This change challenges the UFC's traditional control over its narrative.
Notable Quote:
"We have a media you can't control, that doesn't have to be at the venue, that doesn't need tickets to the event."
— Host (11:00)
5. Historical Precedents and UFC's Inconsistencies (12:31 - 15:00)
Drawing parallels to past UFC decisions, such as the handling of Georges St-Pierre's retirement, the host criticizes Dana White's (UFC President) inconsistent policies regarding fighter obligations and championship defenses.
Notable Quote:
"Jon Jones especially has enough money to retire... he's wishing washy on if he's ever going to fight again."
— Host (14:20)
6. The Impact on MMA's Future and Fan Base (15:01 - 18:00)
The host emphasizes the long-term repercussions of the UFC's actions, suggesting that neglecting passionate fan demands and failing to promote deserving fighters like Aspinall could erode the sport's foundation and alienate its core audience.
Notable Quote:
"The only thing holding him back is Jon Jones in the UFC."
— Host (17:10)
7. Call to Action: Fans and the Power of Petitioning (18:01 - End)
Concluding the episode, the host urges listeners to continue supporting the petition to strip Jon Jones of his title and back Tom Aspinall, highlighting the collective power fans hold in influencing UFC's decisions.
Notable Quote:
"Keep signing that damn petition and shout out to MMA guru, shout out to Era Hawani, shout out to Mighty Mouse, shout out to Lucas Tracy."
— Host (17:50)
Conclusion:
In this episode of The Herd with Colin Cowherd, the host passionately argues that the UFC's reluctance to strip Jon Jones of the heavyweight title undermines the sport's integrity and disregards the rightful claims of Tom Aspinall. By mobilizing fan support through petitions and highlighting the shifting media landscape, the episode calls for decisive action to prioritize the sport's future over entrenched business interests.