Official: Jon Jones Retires, Tom Aspinall Crowned New UFC Heavyweight Champion

One of the greatest fighters in MMA history, Jon Jones (28–1), has officially announced his retirement. UFC President Dana White confirmed the news at a post-event press conference in Baku.

With Jones stepping away, the vacant UFC heavyweight title goes to British fighter Tom Aspinall (15–3), who previously held the interim championship. He is now the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion.

White had spent nearly a year trying to arrange a fight between Jones and Aspinall, but the bout never came to fruition.

Jon Jones retires at the age of 37 after 17 years in the UFC. In 2011, he became the youngest champion in promotion history, capturing the light heavyweight title at just 23. He dominated the division ever since and, in recent years, successfully competed at heavyweight, maintaining champion status for 14 years.

Thus begins a new era in the UFC’s heavyweight division — with Tom Aspinall leading the way.