Jones Retires; Aspinall Becomes Heavyweight Champion

Dana White has confirmed that Jon Jones has retired from the UFC, as Tom Aspinall has been elevated to the heavyweight champion. 

Fans had been demanding the Jones vs. Aspinall fight since their last wins. Jones had stopped Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 to retain his title in his first defense. Meanwhile, Aspinall avenged his loss to Curtis Blaydes with a first-round stoppage. The win made Aspinall the longest interim champion in UFC history. Jones gave mixed comments about fighting Tom.

He initially stated that he did not need the Brit for his legacy while also claiming he would face anyone if he was paid enough. This created suggestions that he was ducking Tom, as there was speculation that Aspinall would face Ciryl Gane next. White remained optimistic that the fight would happen. However, Jones recently indicated that his future was over, stating that he did not see himself fighting in the UFC at this time. While he refused to say he was retired, the latest news means that fans will miss out on another big fight. 

“I don’t want to say that I’m retired because fighting’s in my blood. Right now, I could really care less about fighting. I’ve been doing it my whole life at a very high level and when the itch comes back — and if it comes back — then I’ll do it with my whole heart, do it to the best of my abilities. I think I will fight again. Where the future of combat sports is going, it’s going to be amazing when I pop back up,” Jones stated 

It was similar to the Jones vs. Ngannou fight, which failed when the latter left the UFC. White had this to say. 

White Reacts