In a seismic shift for the world of mixed martial arts, UFC legend Jon Jones has officially announced his retirement, prompting UFC President Dana White to name Tom Aspinall the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Speaking at a press conference in Azerbaijan during UFC Fight Night, White declared, “Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.” Jones, 37, exits the sport with a formidable 28-1 professional record and a legacy spanning light heavyweight and heavyweight dominance.
Aspinall, 32, had been serving as interim champion following Jones’ injury in 2023. The British fighter took to Instagram following the announcement: “For you fans. It’s time to get this heavyweight division going… an active undisputed champion.”
Jones’ last bout was a TKO victory over Stipe Miocic in November 2024. Despite dropping hints of ambivalence about retirement on the Full Send podcast earlier this week, Jones appears to have made peace with stepping away—at least for now.
The torch has been passed. As the UFC’s heavyweight division moves forward under Aspinall’s rule, fans can expect a refreshed era of high-stakes showdowns and renewed competition at the top.
