Jon Jones has officially announced his retirement from the UFC, resulting in British fighter Tom Aspinall being confirmed as the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Jones, aged 37, previously held championship titles in both the light-heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. His last professional bout was in November, where he secured a victory against Stipe Miocic.
He holds the record for becoming the youngest ever UFC champion in 2011, achieving this milestone at the age of 23 by defeating Mauricio Rua. However, his career has been marked by numerous controversies, including positive tests for prohibited substances, both performance-enhancing and otherwise. Throughout his tenure with the UFC, Jones also faced legal issues with US law enforcement.
“Today, I am officially announcing my retirement from the UFC. This decision follows significant reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I`ve experienced over the years,” stated Jones.
“From my first step into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what`s possible in this sport. Becoming the youngest UFC champion ever, defending my title against top fighters globally, and sharing unforgettable moments with fans worldwide – these are memories I will cherish forever.”
“I have faced incredible highs and tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable, making me stronger as both a fighter and an individual.”
Following Jones`s retirement, the interim heavyweight champion, 32-year-old Briton Tom Aspinall, has been promoted to full champion status. This follows his impressive streak of three consecutive victories against Marcin Tybura, Sergei Pavlovich, and Curtis Blaydes.
