Tom Aspinall is raring and ready to go after being upgraded to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion.
On Saturday night, at the post-fight press conference for UFC Baku, company president Dana White revealed that Jon Jones had retired from MMA and that long-suffering interim title holder Aspinall would finally succeed him as full champion.
It comes after MMA’s premier promotion worked tirelessly to get a fight between the pair over the line.
According to esteemed MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, Jones initially accepted terms before going back on his word.
As a result, the UFC was left with no choice but to crown Aspinall.
Taking to Instagram to react to the development, the Mancunian wrote: “For you fans. It’s time to get this Heavyweight division going. An active Undisputed Champion.”
Jones hadn’t fought since last November when he dispatched an ageing Stipe Miocic with ease.
That was his only defence of the heavyweight strap after winning it via submission over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023.
During this time, Aspinall got his hands on the UFC interim strap by knocking out Sergei Pavlovich.
He then went on to set an unwanted record of becoming the longest-reigning interim champion in UFC history in April while Jones toyed with the idea of fighting him.
But White’s bombshell announcement means Aspinall’s record won’t be extended any further.
Following White’s address, Jones released a statement of his own, which read: “Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the UFC.
Aspinall is now the undisputed UFC heavyweight championGetty“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.
“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.
Jones has retired from MMAGetty“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 steps away from the sport as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.
Before picking up the heavyweight crown, ‘Bones’ reigned supreme over the light heavyweight division, where he made 11 title defences during two separate runs.
His sole defeat, to Matt Hamill in 2009, remains shrouded in controversy due to a contentious disqualification call from referee Steve Mazzagatti.
Jones had achieved everything there was to in the sport, although his unwillingness to fight Aspinall will always remain a black mark against his name for MMA fans.
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