Jon Jones, a legend of mixed martial arts, has been retired and interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has been promoted to the undisputed champion holder, UFC President and CEO Dana White said Saturday.
“Jon Jones called us last night and retired,” White said at a press conference in Azerbaijan. “Jon Jones officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion at the UFC.”
Hours later, Jones confirmed White’s revelation on social media, writing: “Today, I officially announced my retirement from UFC.”
Today, I officially announced my retirement from the UFC. This decision was made after a lot of reflection and I wanted to take some time to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve been through over the years.
From the first time I entered the octagon, my goal was…
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) June 22, 2025
Jones made a 28-1 record (11 TKO) when he turned 38 on July 19, capturing the UFC title on lightweight and heavyweight heavyweight. He had a highly anticipated unification match with 32-year-old Aspinall, who became the UFC interim heavyweight champion in November 2023 when injured Jones was unable to fight.
British Aspinal (15-3 MMAafter White’s announcement, 11 tkos, 1 K0, 8-1 UFC) posted a message on Instagram.
Aspinall, 32, wrote: “For your fans, it’s time to get this heavyweight partition going.
Jones fought for the last time on November 16, 2024, defeating Stipe Miocic with a third round TKO. Jones has won six consecutive games since his no-match with Daniel Cormier on July 29, 2017.
White’s announcement refuted Jones’ own words when it appeared on the All Send Podcast Thursday.
“I don’t want to say I’m retired because the battle in my blood is in my blood,” Jones said on the podcast, according to multiple media reports. “Now, I really don’t care much about fighting. I’ve been doing my whole life at a very high level, and when the itch comes back-if it comes back-then I’ll do it with all my heart and do what I can.”
“I think I’ll fight again. Where is the future of combat sports, when I pop up, it’s going to be amazing.”
Jones has a format history in Octagon, where he became a 23-year-old UFC champion holder at the age of 23 and defeated Mauricio Rua with a 205-pound title. Jones, who handled legal issues 16-0 in the UFC title battle, was suspended in 2016 for a positive test for enhanced performance-enhancing drugs, a result he questioned.
Health & Wellness Contributor
A wellness enthusiast and certified nutrition advisor, Meera covers everything from healthy living tips to medical breakthroughs. Her articles aim to inform and inspire readers to live better every day.
