Jon Jones Retires; Aspinall Named UFC Heavyweight Champ

UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has officially retired, as confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White, resulting in interim champion Tom Aspinall being elevated to undisputed champion. Jones departs with a 28-1 record, leaving behind a legacy of dominance and controversy amid criticism for not facing Aspinall in a unification bout. Fan frustration had mounted, with a petition nearing 200,000 signatures urging the UFC to strip Jones of his title due to inactivity. Former champions and rivals, including Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, also called for Jones to vacate the belt. Francis Ngannou, another former UFC heavyweight champion, has ruled out a UFC return following Jones's retirement. The heavyweight division remains in flux as Aspinall prepares to lead as champion and the UFC considers its next steps.