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Aspinall was promoted to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, by Dana White, after Jon Jones announced his retirement.
UFC fighter Tom Aspinall (X)
In a whirlwind conclusion to an era in MMA, Tom Aspinall has been promoted to undisputed heavyweight champion following the announcement of Jon Jones’ official retirement by the UFC.
“Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC,” stated Dana White.
This decision, delivered by Dana White after a UFC Fight Night in Azerbaijan, ends seven months of uncertainty in the heavyweight division.
Aspinall becomes only the third Briton to achieve UFC championship status, having spent 19 months as interim champion.
Jones had secured the heavyweight title in March 2023 and fought Stipe Miocic last November, despite Aspinall claiming the interim belt the year prior.
Earlier on Saturday, Jones announced his retirement decision.
“Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the UFC,” Jones wrote. “This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years,” he wrote in his post on X.
“From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible in this sport. Becoming the youngest UFC champion in history, defending my title against some of the best fighters in the world, and sharing unforgettable moments with fans across the globe—these are memories I’ll cherish forever. I’ve faced incredible highs and some tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger, both as a fighter and as a person.
“I want to thank the UFC, Dana, Hunter, Lorenzo, God, my family, coaches, teammates, and all the fans who have stood by me through every chapter. Your unwavering support and belief in me have been my foundation. To my fellow fighters, thank you for bringing out the best in me and for the respect we’ve shared inside and outside the cage.
“As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead. MMA will always be a part of who I am, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to contribute to the sport and inspire others in new ways. Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come.”
Jones, 37, retires from MMA competition as a two-time undisputed UFC light heavyweight champion, having defended that belt more times (11) and consecutively (8) than any other fighter in history.
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
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