Manchester’s Tom Aspinall has been upgraded to undisputed heavyweight champion as the UFC announced Jon Jones had officially retired.
The decision, delivered by Dana White after a UFC Fight Night in Azerbaijan, brings to an end seven months of uncertainty in the heavyweight division.
Aspinall is just the third Briton to become a UFC champion and spent 19 months as interim champion.
“Jon Jones called us last night and retired,” White said.
“Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.
“Do I regret the time that I gave [Jones to decide]? Listen, if you look at what he’s accomplished in the sport, no.”
Jones, 37, claimed the heavyweight title in March 2023 and fought Stipe Miocic last November, despite Aspinall claiming the interim belt the year before.
Aspinall campaigned for a fight with Jones but the American decided against accepting the UFC’s offer.
Jones is considered one of the best mixed martial artists of all time but will turn 38 in July and said previously fighting Aspinall wouldn’t add to his “legacy”.
Aspinall reacted to the news on his social media, saying: “For you fans, it’s time to get this heavyweight division going. An active undisputed champion.”
The Englishman is expected to defend the title this summer or early autumn and is likely to face number-one contender Ciryl Gane.
Aspinall has not fought since July 2024 and has spent just three minutes and 22 seconds in the octagon since 2023.
“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 incredible through this whole process.
“He’s been willing to do anything, fight him anywhere at any time and do this, and now he’s like ‘I’ll fight anybody – you tell me who and I’ll fight them’.”
