Jon Jones Retires From UFC, Tom Aspinall New Heavyweight Champion

Arguably the greatest heavyweight MMA champion and fighter, Jon jones has retired from the UFC, with the title going to Tom Aspinall.

This was announced in a surprising press conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, by the commission president, Dana White, on Saturday.

According to White, Jones called on Friday night to inform him and UFC officials that he would be leaving the sport after holding the title for 2 years.

The 37-year-old had earlier signified that he had no interest in fighting Aspinall in defence of his title.

TOM ASPINALL IS THE OFFICIAL HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP@DanaWhite has announced that Jon Jones has RETIRED, thus elevating @AspinallMMA to become the heavyweight champ pic.twitter.com/oJ8a9nl8KT

— UFC (@ufc) June 21, 2025

Jones then posted a lengthy statement on his official X handle, which read: ‘Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the UFC. This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years.

‘From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible in this sport. Becoming the youngest UFC champion in history, defending my title against some of the best fighters in the world, and sharing unforgettable moments with fans across the globe—these are memories I’ll cherish forever.

Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the UFC. This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years.

From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to…

— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) June 22, 2025

‘I’ve faced incredible highs and some tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger, both as a fighter and as a person.

‘I want to thank the UFC, Dana, Hunter, Lorenzo, God, my family, coaches, teammates, and all the fans who have stood by me through every chapter. Your unwavering support and belief in me have been my foundation. To my fellow fighters, thank you for bringing out the best in me and for the respect we’ve shared inside and outside the cage.

‘As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead. MMA will always be a part of who I am, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to contribute to the sport and inspire others in new ways. Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come.

Jones, who ends his career with a 28-1 career record, won the vacant heavyweight title in March 2023.

He has not fought since defending it in November against Stipe Miocic.

Aspinall has held the interim belt for 18 months, but a unification fight between the two was what many sports enthusiasts expected.

However, delays led a number of fighters to call for Jones to be stripped of his title.