Jon Jones Retirement: Aspinall New UFC Heavyweight Champion
- Tom Aspinall of Manchester is now the undisputed heavyweight champion after Jon Jones officially retired, the UFC announced.
- Jones, 37, secured the heavyweight title in March 2023 and last fought Stipe miocic in November, despite Aspinall's interim title win the previous year.
- Aspinall responded to the news on social media, stating, "For you fans, it's time to get this heavyweight division going.
Jon Jones’ retirement sparks a seismic shift! Tom Aspinall seizes the undisputed heavyweight champion title, announced after a recent UFC Fight Night, ending months of speculation. This marks a momentous occasion for the division, with Aspinall, the third Briton to hold a UFC championship, stepping into a new role, having served as interim champion. Jones, a mixed martial arts icon, previously declined a fight against Aspinall. News Directory 3 delivers this breaking UFC news. Aspinall is ready to defend his title, possibly against Ciryl Gane. discover what’s next …
Aspinall Ascends to UFC Heavyweight Role as Jones Retires
Updated June 22, 2025
Tom Aspinall of Manchester is now the undisputed heavyweight champion after Jon Jones officially retired, the UFC announced. Dana White made the announcement after a UFC Fight Night in Azerbaijan,ending seven months of uncertainty in the heavyweight division. Aspinall is only the third Briton to hold a UFC championship, having served 19 months as interim champion. His new role as champion marks a significant shift in the division.
Jones, 37, secured the heavyweight title in March 2023 and last fought Stipe miocic in November, despite Aspinall’s interim title win the previous year. Aspinall had pushed for a fight against Jones, but Jones declined the UFC’s offer. Jones, considered by manny to be among the best mixed martial artists, will turn 38 in July. He previously stated that fighting Aspinall would not enhance his legacy.
Aspinall responded to the news on social media, stating, “For you fans, it’s time to get this heavyweight division going. An active undisputed champion.”
Aspinall has spent little time in the octagon since 2023, wiht only three minutes and 22 seconds of fight time since july 2024. White acknowledged aspinall’s lost time and earnings, promising to compensate him.
“Jon Jones called us last night and retired,” White said. “Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.”
“I obviously feel bad for Tom that he lost all that time and obviously money, but we’ll make it up to him,” said White. “Tom Aspinall’s a good guy. He’s been amazing through this whole process.”
What’s next
aspinall is expected to defend his title this summer or early autumn,likely against number-one contender Ciryl Gane. He has expressed his willingness to face any opponent.