Jon Jones retires, UFC names Tom Aspinall new heavyweight champion
UFC legend
Jon Jones
has officially announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, marking the end of one of the most dominant careers in combat sports history. In a major development, the UFC has named interim title-holder
Tom Aspinall
as the new undisputed heavyweight champion.
"Jon Jones called us last night and retired," UFC CEO
Dana White
broke the news during a media conference in Azerbaijan. "Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC."
— ufc (@ufc)
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Jones did not immediately respond to White's announcement. According to White, the UFC plans to meet with Aspinall next week to begin discussions on his first title defence.
Aspinall quickly reacted on social media platform while welcoming the news. "For you fans. It's time to get this Heavyweight division going. An active Undisputed Champion," Aspinall wrote on Instagram.
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Jones (28-1) transitioned from light heavyweight to heavyweight in 2023, capturing the vacant title with a dominant win over
Ciryl Gane
. During his 27-month reign, he made just one successful defence - a third-round TKO of Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November.
A potential showdown with Tom Aspinall was billed as one of the biggest heavyweight fights in UFC history. Yet Jones repeatedly downplayed the matchup, claiming a win over Aspinall wouldn't enhance his legacy. His stance sparked backlash from fans and analysts alike, with accusations of him dodging the fight. A petition demanding Jones be stripped of the title amassed nearly 200,000 signatures.
Aspinall, known for his speed, power, and well-rounded skill set, now steps into the spotlight as the division's new king. The changing of the guard signals a new era in the heavyweight landscape and fresh matchups ahead.
It remains unclear yet as to who Aspinall will face in his first defence as the undisputed heavyweight champion. Top contenders Ciryl Gane and
Jailton Almeida
are currently without scheduled bouts, and neither has previously shared the Octagon with Aspinall.
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