English fighter Tom Aspinall is the new undisputed UFC heavyweight champion following the retirement of Jon Jones, Afrosport reports.
UFC president and CEO Dana White made the announcement after a UFC Fight Night in Azerbaijan on Saturday, settling the lengthy uncertainty in the heavyweight division.
“Jon Jones called us last night and retired,” said White. “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.”
Aspinall, who was the interim belt holder for about 19 months, becomes just the third British fighter to become a UFC champion.
“For you fans, it’s time to get this heavyweight division going. An active undisputed champion,” the 32-year-old wrote on social media.
Meanwhile, Jones, regarded as one of the best mixed martial artists of all time, secured the heavyweight title in March 2023 and defended his belt against Stipe Miocic last November, despite Aspinall claiming the interim belt the year before.
The 37-year-old turned down numerous calls from Aspinall and his camp for a fight, previously claiming that the bout wouldn’t add to his legacy.
Aspinall, however, will most likely defend the title this summer, with a possible heavyweight clash against top contender Ciryl Gane.
The Manchester-born fighter, who holds an 8-1 record in the UFC, has not fought since July 2024.
“I obviously feel bad for Tom that he lost all that time and obviously money, but we’ll make it up to him,” added 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’.”
