Probably Francis. They mentioned his title being taken way, didn't they do an interim heavyweight that jiocic won because Francis was taking too long to fight.
No he became champion for the first time last year. He is also still the champ and defended his belt this year back in January against Ciryl Gane. He also seems like the most genuine guy based on interviews and podcasts I've listened to.
Cain Velasquez almost had his belt stripped back when he was the champ so it could've been a misunderstanding from Don saying he got stripped.
Jon Jones is a real asshole according to most people so it could've been him but I feel like Cephas should know who he is considering the fact that they've talked some UFC in the past on the sports section. His reaction when Don showed the picture was just kinda "meh, big guy i don't know him" kinda feelin. Jon Jones also never competed at heavyweight, he did get his light heavyweight title stripped almost 2 years ago though.
So unless Curren is hangin out with some old ass MMA guys from the early 2000's it has to be Cain or Jon. They could have some of the info wrong (stripped titles, weight classes, timelines) so i can't be a 100% sure which one of the two.