In a seismic development for the UFC, Jon Jones has officially retired from mixed martial arts, prompting the promotion to name Tom Aspinall the undisputed heavyweight champion. The announcement was made by UFC CEO Dana White during the post-fight press conference following the organisation’s debut event in Baku, Azerbaijan.
“Jon Jones called us last night and retired,” White revealed. “Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.”
The news comes after months of speculation and delays over a potential bout between Jones and Aspinall. White had recently imposed a deadline to finalise the long-awaited unification fight, but it appears that ultimatum led Jones to make a final decision.
Just days earlier, Jones had hinted at his diminishing interest in returning to the Octagon, stating that “right now, I could really care less about fighting.” However, he had stopped short of using the word “retirement” until now. His last appearance came seven months ago in a victory over Stipe Miocic, after which his future in the sport remained uncertain.
Despite the prolonged stalemate that left the heavyweight division in limbo, White expressed no regret in giving the former champion time to come to a decision. “Do I regret the time that I gave him? Listen, if you look at what he’s accomplished in the sport, no \[I don’t regret it],” White said. “It is what it is.”
With Jones stepping aside, Tom Aspinall has been elevated from interim to undisputed heavyweight champion. The Brit claimed the interim title with a victory over Sergei Pavlovich and successfully defended it against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304. Aspinall, currently ranked 11th in the UFC’s men’s pound-for-pound rankings, has been widely praised for his professionalism and patience throughout the drawn-out saga.
White commended Aspinall for his conduct amid the uncertainty, acknowledging the fighter’s willingness to wait as the UFC attempted to secure the bout with Jones. Now, with the division no longer in limbo, the UFC moves forward with a new champion at the helm.