Jon Jones Steps Away from UFC: Tom Aspinall Named Undisputed Champion

Jon Jones, often heralded as the greatest mixed martial artist in history, has officially announced his retirement, according to UFC CEO Dana White on Saturday. White stated that the 37-year-old informed the organization of his decision to step away from fighting on Friday. Previously, the UFC had been aiming to schedule a heavyweight title unification fight between Jones and interim champion Tom Aspinall. However, with Jones’s unexpected retirement, Aspinall has now been recognized as the undisputed heavyweight champion.

During a press conference in Azerbaijan, White shared, “Jon Jones called us last night and retired. Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.” Jones himself has yet to make a public statement regarding White’s announcement. White further mentioned that the UFC plans to collaborate with Aspinall next week to arrange his first title defense.