In a seismic shift for the UFC, legendary fighter Jon Jones has officially retired from mixed martial arts, prompting the promotion to elevate Tom Aspinall as the new undisputed heavyweight champion. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the news during a press conference, revealing that Jones called late Friday night to announce his decision.
“Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC,” White declared.
🧠 Why Did Jon Jones Retire?
Jones’ retirement stems from a mix of personal contentment, shifting priorities, and a waning competitive drive:
- Lifestyle Shift: Jones has been focusing on family, building his home, and co-owning the Dirty Boxing Championship.
- Lack of Motivation: He admitted the “itch” to fight had faded, saying he’d only return if he could commit “with his whole heart.”
- Financial Security: Jones cited his wealth and peace of mind, stating, “This attitude is making me a very wealthy man”.
🥊 The Aspinall Factor
The UFC had been working to book a title unification bout between Jones and interim champ Tom Aspinall, but Jones reportedly showed little interest. Critics, including Curtis Blaydes, accused him of avoiding the fight due to inactivity. An online petition demanding Jones be stripped of his title garnered nearly 200,000 signatures.
🏆 Tom Aspinall: The New Heavyweight King
With Jones stepping away, 32-year-old Brit Tom Aspinall has been elevated to full champion status. He earned the interim belt with wins over Marcin Tybura, Sergei Pavlovich, and Curtis Blaydes, and is now expected to defend the title later this year.
📜 A Legacy Like No Other
Jones retires with a 28-1 record, having held titles in both light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. He became the youngest UFC champion at age 23 and boasts a 16-0 record in UFC title fights, the most in history.
Stay tuned for updates on Aspinall’s first title defense and the future of UFC’s heavyweight division.
