White confirms Jones’ retirement, promotes Aspinall to heavyweight champion

UFC president Dana White has announced Jon Jones’ retirement from the sport, bringing an end to speculations surrounding the division these past months. 

Following the retirement, Jones’ heavyweight title will now be passed to Tom Aspinall, who is now the undisputed champion of the division. 

Jones was the first to hint at his retirement some months back, but it was not taken seriously then, as many thought he was using it as an excuse not to fight Aspinall or, at least, delay the fight from happening. But it turns out he was simply not coming back to the octagon.

Announcing the retirement on Saturday at a press conference, White said: “Jon Jones called us last night and retired. Jon Jones is officially retired. 

Tom Aspinall is the Heavyweight champion of UFC.” Jones later told newsmen on Sunday that the fight between Jones and Aspinall had been agreed on by both parties until Jones surprisingly called him and said he wanted to retire. 

Jones also released a statement via social media, confirming that he was stepping away from the sport. He said that the decision came after deep reflection and that he was thankful for everything he had experienced while looking forward to the opportunities to come. 

The 37-year-old became the youngest UFC champion in history, at 23, when he defeated Mauricio Rua for the light heavyweight title.

He then climbed to the heavyweight division and became the champion after submitting Ciryl Gane in his first heavyweight appearance. Jones’ career has not been without controversy, leading him to lose his title on different occasions and undergo different disciplinary measures.

In his final years in the sport, he fought sparingly, with his last five fights happening over six years. But he never failed both fans and critics, ensuring his status as one of the heavyweight greats.