In a shocking twist, UFC CEO Dana White declared that Jon Jones is retired from the sport of mixed martial arts, promoting interim champion Tom Aspinall to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. The declaration was made during UFC's post-fight press conference following the organization's inaugural event in Baku, Azerbaijan, on June 21, 2025.

"Jon Jones phoned us last night and retired," White revealed, leaving the MMA world stunned. "Tom Aspinall is the UFC heavyweight champion." The decision brings to a close one of the most successful and controversial careers in the history of MMA and opens a new chapter for the heavyweight division under the reign of Aspinall.

 


Jon Jones' Hall of Fame Legacy

Jon Jones, one of the all-time greats, retires with an incredible record of 28-1-0, with 11 knockouts and 7 submissions. He was a two-weight champion, winning the UFC light heavyweight title on several occasions prior to capturing the heavyweight title in 2023 with a first-round submission victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 265. He defended once against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in 2024.

Jones' groundbreaking style—a mix of unconventional striking, wrestling, and submissions—established a new benchmark for MMA greatness. His resume, which includes headlining at big UFC events and being a two-division champion, assures his place in the UFC Hall of Fame. His career was not without dispute, however.

 

Jon Jones' Controversial Career

Jones' octagon brilliance was ever overshadowed by out-of-cage concerns. Repeat failed drug tests, a 2015 hit-and-run, and PED suspensions marred his legacy. His refusal to defend against interim champion Tom Aspinall was widely condemned, with fans and pundits, including Daniel Cormier, saying he should be stripped of the title. A fan petition calling for Jones to vacate the belt garnered close to 200,000 signatures, which spoke to how frustrated people were with his inactivity.

Jones' recent actions had zero interest in pursuing his career further. On the *Full Send Podcast*, he confessed, "Right now I could really care less about fighting." His social media shenanigans, including trolling Aspinall and flirting with fantasy matchups against non-UFC fighters such as Francis Ngannou, added to speculation regarding his dedication. In the end, Jones opted for retirement over a fight with Aspinall, causing some to question what might have been.

 

Tom Aspinall: The New Heavyweight King

Jones' departure creates a vacancy for Tom Aspinall, the new undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. Aspinall, 32, has a record of 15-3 with 12 knockouts and 3 submissions. Aspinall claimed the interim title with a first-round knockout of Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 in 2023 and defended it with a 60-second victory over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July 2024.

Aspinall’s frustration with Jones was no secret. He boldly declared Jones retired on the *Good Guy/Bad Guy* podcast, asserting, “I’m the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world.” White’s announcement confirms Aspinall’s claim, and the Wigan native now has the chance to build his legacy as champion.

 

What’s Next for Aspinall and the Heavyweight Division?

As the new champion, Aspinall is set to defend his title against top contenders in a deep heavyweight division. Potential opponents include Alexander Volkov, Shamil Gaziev, and Don’Tale Mayes. White expressed excitement about Aspinall’s future, saying, “Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC, and we’re ready to see what’s next.”