Tom Aspinall Crowned Undisputed UFC Champion After Jon Jones Retires

Aspinall Becomes Undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion as Jones Retires

Manchester’s Tom Aspinall has officially been named UFC’s undisputed heavyweight champion following the shock retirement of Jon Jones, UFC president Dana White confirmed on Saturday night.

The announcement ends a seven-month stalemate in the division, which began when Aspinall captured the interim title but was left waiting while Jones remained inactive and uncertain about his future.

“Jones is officially retired” — Dana White

Speaking after UFC Fight Night Azerbaijan, White said:

“Jon Jones called us last night and retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.”

Jones, 37, last fought in March 2023 and had been scheduled to fight Stipe Miocic, not Aspinall, in what was set to be a legacy bout. Despite fan demand, Jones never accepted the fight against Aspinall, stating it would add nothing to his career résumé.

Aspinall Ready to Lead the Division

Aspinall, 32, becomes just the third British UFC champion, following in the footsteps of Michael Bisping and Leon Edwards. Reacting to the news, he posted:

“For you fans, it’s time to get this heavyweight division going. An active undisputed champion.”

Expected to return this summer or autumn, Aspinall’s first title defense is likely against Ciryl Gane, the current number-one contender. The Englishman hasn’t fought since July 2024, and has spent only 3 minutes and 22 seconds in the octagon since 2023 due to a string of short fights and inactivity caused by the division’s backlog.

UFC Finally Turns the Page on the Jones Era

Jones, widely considered one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, exits the sport with two titles and an unmatched resume, but leaves behind questions about how his era might’ve ended had he faced the new generation.

Aspinall, ever the company man, stayed ready and patient.

“Tom’s been willing to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime,” said White. “We’ll make it up to him.”

The New Face of UFC Heavyweights

This moment represents a historic chapter for UK MMA:

• ✅ First British UFC heavyweight champion

• ✅ Longest-reigning interim champion in UFC history

• ✅ Leading a refreshed and active heavyweight division

With a title defense likely on the horizon against Gane, Aspinall now has the opportunity to solidify his reign inside the octagon, where he believes it truly counts.