UFC CEO Dana White announced Jon Jones‘ retirement, leading to Tom Aspinall being promoted to undisputed heavyweight champion, ending speculation of a potential unification bout between Jones and Aspinall.
Jon Jones has retired. Or so says UFC CEO Dana White.
White announced that Jones—the UFC’s undisputed heavyweight champ, the most dominant light heavyweight in history, and arguably the greatest fighter ever—has officially hung up his gloves. This means Jones gives up his heavyweight belt, and interim champ Tom Aspinall is now the undisputed king.
Jones’ retirement ends a saga where he and Aspinall vied for the UFC’s top heavyweight spot. Jones moved up from 205 pounds, winning against Ciryl Gane and Stipe Miocic. Meanwhile, Aspinall claimed interim titles over Sergei Pavlovich and Curtis Blaydes, boosting his division record to 8-1. A showdown seemed inevitable, but Jones often dismissed Aspinall, showing no interest in unifying the belts.
But none of that matters now. With Jones out, Aspinall stands alone at the heavyweight summit.
Check out the social media buzz about Jones’ retirement below.
Jon Jones retired and there isn’t anything massive put together for his announcement? Just a post-fight 3-second clip of Dana announcing it… Seems like he’ll be back to me. #UFCBaku
— Julian marquez (@JMarquezMMA)
Congrats champ. You deserve that. Now, let’s make the only fight that makes sense! Aspinall vs Almeida for the undisputed HW title of the world. Gane ducked you and me before, already fought for the belt and lost twice, and his last win was a robbery@AspinallMMA @danawhite @Mickmaynard2
— Jailton Almeida “Malhadinho” (@Malhadinho_UFC)
Alex Pereira will fight Aspinall for the heavyweight title! Change my mind!
— Renato Moicano (@moicanoufc)