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In a stunning turn of events that’s shaken the MMA world, legendary fighter Jon Jones has officially retired from the UFC, bringing one of the sport’s most storied careers to a close.
The news was confirmed on Saturday, June 21, during a press conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. UFC President Dana White revealed that Jones personally informed the organization late Friday night that he was stepping away from competition, ending his two-year run as UFC heavyweight champion.
With Jones stepping down, interim titleholder Tom Aspinall has now been elevated to undisputed heavyweight champion.
Jones, 37, had been noticeably hesitant about defending his belt against Aspinall, fueling speculation about his long-term plans. That speculation was put to rest when Jones issued an official retirement statement via his X (formerly Twitter) account.
“Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the UFC,” Jones wrote. “This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years.”
Throughout the message, Jones reflected on his iconic career—highlighting his record-breaking rise as the youngest champion in UFC history, his memorable title defenses, and the ups and downs that defined his legacy.
“I’ve faced incredible highs and some tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger,” he said. “MMA will always be a part of who I am… The best is yet to come.”
Jones leaves the sport with a remarkable professional record of 28 wins, 1 loss (via disqualification), and 1 no contest. He claimed the vacant UFC heavyweight title in March 2023 and last defended it in a dominant performance against Stipe Miocic in November that year.
In Jones’ absence, Tom Aspinall—who has held the interim belt for over 18 months—has now been officially recognized as the undisputed heavyweight champion. While fans had long hoped for a unification bout between the two, repeated delays and injuries had already led many to question whether it would ever happen.
Jones’ retirement marks the end of an era for the UFC, closing the chapter on one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. As the heavyweight division moves forward under Aspinall’s leadership, a new generation is ready to shape the future.
