Jon Jones retires from UFC before highly anticipated fight against Tom Aspinall

Jon Jones, a legend in mixed martial arts, has retired and interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has been elevated to the undisputed title holder, UFC president and CEO Dana White said Saturday.

"Jon Jones called us last night and retired," White said during a press conference in Azerbaijan, where UFC Fight Night was held. "Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC."

?? TOM ASPINALL IS THE OFFICIAL HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP@DanaWhite has announced that Jon Jones has RETIRED, thus elevating @AspinallMMA to become the heavyweight champ ?? pic.twitter.com/oJ8a9nl8KT— UFC (@ufc) June 21, 2025