Jon Jones retires and Tom Aspinall is the new UFC heavyweight champion

Jon Jones is a former UFC champion. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/@ufc

PUBLICITY:

Jon Jones ' career as an MMA fighter has come to an end. At a UFC Baku press conference held on Saturday night (21), Dana White revealed 'Bones' retirement and announced Tom Aspinall as the new undisputed heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg). According to the Ultimate president, the decision was communicated by Jon Jones himself via a phone call last Friday (20).

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“ Jon Jones called us last night and retired. Jon Jones is officially retired and Tom Aspinall is the UFC heavyweight champion,” Dana White declared.

The retirement news comes days after Dana White raised his voice and issued a sort of ultimatum to end the 'soap opera' involving Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall . The president's statement must have motivated the undisputed champion to make the decision before the organization needed to.

Jon Jones retires as one of the greatest fighters of all time

Jon Jones defeated Miocic by knockout and defended his title at UFC 309. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter/UFC

PUBLICITY:

At 37 years old, Jon Jones ends his career with a record of 28 wins, one loss by disqualification, and one no-contest, solidifying his status as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history.

He started MMA in 2008, made a lightning debut in the UFC and in March 2011, at 23 years and eight months, became the youngest champion in UFC history by knocking out legend Maurício “Shogun” Rua at UFC 128.

In the light heavyweight division, he was the undisputed champion: he defended the belt 11 times, facing and defeating names like Rampage Jackson, Lyoto Machida , Vitor Belfort , Alexander Gustafsson , and Daniel Cormier.

In 2020, Jones decided to leave the light heavyweight division and make the leap to heavyweight. After a three-year absence from the octagon, he returned in March 2023 and submitted Ciryl Gane in the first round, winning the belt in the new category. In November 2024, he knocked out Stipe Miocic with a spinning back kick, with his first and only heavyweight title defense, reaffirming his legendary legacy.

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