MMA legend Jon Jones has officially retired from the sport, UFC President Dana White announced Saturday during a press conference in Azerbaijan. As a result, interim champion Tom Aspinall has been promoted to the undisputed UFC heavyweight titleholder.
“Jon Jones called us last night and retired,” White stated. “Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.”
Jones, who turns 38 next month, leaves the octagon with a stellar 28-1 record (11 TKOs), having held titles in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. His long-awaited title unification bout with Aspinall will now never happen.
Following the news, Aspinall, 32, posted on Instagram: “For you fans. It’s time to get this heavyweight division going.” The British fighter now holds a 15-3 MMA record (11 TKOs) and stands as the active face of the division.
An era ends, and a new chapter begins in the UFC heavyweight division.
