By Toba Owojaiye
In a dramatic turn of events that has reshaped the UFC heavyweight division, Tom Aspinall has been officially named the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion following the sudden retirement of MMA legend Jon Jones. UFC President Dana White confirmed the development during the UFC Baku post-fight press conference, revealing that Jones called him the night before to formally announce his retirement from the sport.
“Jon called me last night. He’s officially done,” White told reporters. “He’s retiring, and that means Tom is now the undisputed heavyweight champion.”
Truth Live News gathered that Jon Jones, 37, exits the Octagon as one of the most accomplished fighters in UFC history. His decision comes nearly 16 months after claiming the vacant heavyweight title with a dominant submission victory over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. He followed that performance with a successful title defense against former champion Stipe Miocic in November 2024, winning via TKO at UFC 309.
Though his time as heavyweight champion was brief, spanning just over 15 months, Jones’ legacy was built over more than a decade of dominance at light heavyweight. At just 23 years old, he became the youngest champion in UFC history in 2011. Across multiple reigns, he amassed a record-setting 16 UFC title-fight victories, including wins over legends such as Daniel Cormier, Alexander Gustafsson, and Lyoto Machida.
His total time holding UFC titles spans over 10 years, with more than 2,000 days combined across both divisions. He retires with a professional record of 28 wins, 1 controversial disqualification loss, and 1 no-contest—widely regarded as one of the most complete résumés in MMA history.
For Aspinall, the announcement is both career-defining and bittersweet. The British standout captured the interim heavyweight belt in late 2023 and had been waiting in limbo for his chance to unify the title with Jones. Now, with the legendary champion stepping away, Aspinall has been officially elevated to the top of the division.
“It’s surreal, to be honest,” Aspinall told media. “Of course, I wanted to beat Jon in the cage, that’s what every fighter dreams of. But now that it’s official, I’m ready to move forward and carry the division with pride.”
The UFC’s heavyweight picture has long been clouded by inactivity, injuries, and uncertainty. With Aspinall now at the helm and eager to stay active, fans can expect a rejuvenated division. Aspinall has already expressed interest in facing top contenders such as Sergei Pavlovich, Curtis Blaydes, or Jailton Almeida in his first title defense.
Jones’ departure marks the end of a historic era: an unmatched reign of dominance spanning two weight classes, multiple generations of challengers, and countless controversies that only added to his mystique.
As one chapter closes, another begins. The Tom Aspinall era is here.
Key Stats:
Jon Jones’ UFC Record: 28–1 (1 NC)
Title Fights Won: 16 (UFC record)
First Title Win: April 2011 (age 23)
Heavyweight Reign: March 2023 – June 2025
Longest Combined Title Reign: ~2,938 days