Jon Jones' retirement from MMA has been announced. Photo: AFP
Jon Jones, a legend in mixed martial arts, has retired and interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has been elevated to the undisputed titleholder, according to UFC president and chief executive Dana White.
"Jon Jones called us last night and retired," White said during a press conference in Azerbaijan, where UFC Fight Night was held. "Jon Jones is officially retired, Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC."
Jones, who turns 38 on 19 July, compiled a 28-1 record (11 TKOs) in capturing UFC titles at light-heavyweight and heavyweight. He was in line for a highly anticipated unification bout with Aspinall, 32, who became the UFC's interim heavyweight champion in November 2023, when an injured Jones couldn't fight.
Englishman Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 11 TKOs, 1 K0, 8-1 UFC) posted a message on Instagram after White's announcement.
"For you fans. It's time to get this heavyweight division going," wrote Aspinall, 32. "An active undisputed champion."
Jones last fought on 16 November, 2024, winning by a third-round TKO over Stipe Miocic. Jones has won six consecutive bouts since a no contest with Daniel Cormier on 29 July, 2017.
White's announcement countered Jones' own words on Thursday, when he appeared on the 'Full Send' podcast.
"I don't want to say that I'm retired, because fighting's in my blood," Jones said on the podcast, per media reports.
"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 has had a chequered history out of the Octagon, where he became the youngest UFC titleholder at age 23, with a win over Mauricio Rua for the 205-pound crown.
Jones, who is 16-0 in UFC title bouts, has dealt with legal issues, as well as a year-long suspension in 2016 for testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs - a result he disputes.
- Reuters
