Jon Jones has officially stepped away from mixed martial arts following a two-year buildup to a superfight that never happened. The 37-year-old fighter informed the UFC of his decision to retire late Friday, prompting the promotion to name Tom Aspinall as the new undisputed heavyweight champion. This announcement came during a Saturday press conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, delivered by UFC president Dana White.
Details of the Retirement and UFC’s Response
Jones’ retirement ended speculation after UFC repeatedly chose not to strip him of the heavyweight title despite his inactivity. Dana White confirmed the news publicly, explaining that Jones called the UFC the previous night to announce his retirement. White then declared Tom Aspinall the official heavyweight champion, closing the chapter on Jones’ contested heavyweight reign.
Jon Jones called us last night and retired,
Dana White said.
Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.
—Dana White, UFC President and CEO
Jon Jones’ Legendary Career and Turbulent History
Jon Jones stands among the sport’s greatest fighters, having held titles in two weight divisions and dominating the light heavyweight class for years. His professional record of 28 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no contest includes victories over many MMA legends such as Mauricio Rua, Quinton “Rampage” Jackson, Lyoto Machida, and Daniel Cormier. Despite these accolades, Jones’ career was also marked by multiple controversies, including three instances where he was stripped of UFC titles due to failed drug tests and various legal troubles.
Jones returned from a three-year hiatus in 2023 to capture the vacant heavyweight title by defeating Cyril Gane. This set the stage for a much-anticipated bout against interim champion Tom Aspinall, who won his interim title in November 2023 after Jones withdrew from a defense against former champion Stipe Miocic. Aspinall’s interim reign included a successful defense against Curtis Blaydes in a rematch.
Tom Aspinall’s Rise and Response to Championship Recognition
At just 32 years old, England-born Tom Aspinall had been vocal about his readiness to face Jones, even suggesting he could retire Jones in the cage. With Jones’ retirement, Aspinall was officially promoted to UFC heavyweight champion, ending the interim status of his title. Following the announcement, Aspinall took to social media to rally his fans.
For you fans. It’s time to get this heavyweight division going,
Aspinall wrote on Instagram. An active undisputed champion. —Tom Aspinall, UFC Heavyweight Champion
The Unfolding Struggles Behind the Failed Superfight
The failed matchup between Jones and Aspinall drew significant disappointment from fans and observers, highlighting ongoing tensions between Jones and UFC management, especially Dana White. The UFC had publicly announced the fight, and it was expected to take place later in 2025. However, Jones’ retirement came after a series of on-again, off-again statements about his future, including comments made during a recent podcast where he hedged on definitively retiring.
I don’t want to say that I’m retired because fighting’s in my blood,
Jones explained on the Full Send podcast.
Right now, I could really care less about fighting. I’ve been doing it my whole life at a very high level and when the itch comes back — and if it comes back — then I’ll do it with my whole heart, do it to the best of my abilities.
I think I will fight again. Where the future of combat sports is going, it’s going to be amazing when I pop back up.
—Jon Jones, Former UFC Heavyweight Champion
Reflecting on Jon Jones’ Fight History and Legacy
Within the cage, Jones’ record is nearly flawless. His only loss came via disqualification in 2009 against Matt Hamill due to an illegal elbow strike, a technique which is currently legal. Throughout his career, Jones dominated a series of top-tier fighters and was on course to challenge Cain Velasquez’s record for the longest UFC heavyweight title reign before his retirement announcement.
UFC’s Perspective and Future for the Heavyweight Division
Speaking in Baku, Dana White expressed no regrets about affording Jones an extended period to decide his future, though he acknowledged disappointment on behalf of Tom Aspinall, who lost time and potential earnings due to the situation. White praised Aspinall’s patience and dedication and expressed optimism about the division moving forward under Aspinall’s leadership.
Listen, if you look at what [Jones] accomplished in the sport, no. It is what it is,
White commented.
I obviously feel bad for Tom that he lost all that time and money but we will make it up to him. Tom Aspinall is a good guy, he has been incredible in this process. He will be a great heavyweight champion for us and I’m excited to work with him.
—Dana White, UFC President and CEO
What Lies Ahead for UFC’s Heavyweight Championship
Jon Jones’ official UFC retirement announcement signifies a major turning point for the organization’s heavyweight division. With Jones out of competition, Tom Aspinall inherits the full championship role, tasked with defending the title against the division’s top contenders. While Jones hinted at a possible future return, the UFC appears prepared to build its heavyweight landscape around Aspinall’s reign.