LAS VEGAS — UFC star Jon “Bones” Jones has officially retired, UFC President Dana White announced Saturday at the UFC event in Baku, Azerbaijan.
“Jon Jones called us last night and retired. Jon Jones is officially retired,” White said.
With Jones stepping away, interim champion Tom Aspinall has been elevated to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. White confirmed the move during his post-event press conference, saying, “Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.”
Aspinall, who had campaigned for a unification bout with Jones for months, responded on Instagram with a video for fans. “It’s time to get this heavyweight division going,” Aspinall said.
Jones, 36, is widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. The former light heavyweight and heavyweight champion retires with a professional record of 28-1 with one no-contest.
Jones had not fought since successfully defending the heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024. He first claimed the vacant heavyweight belt in March 2023 with a first-round submission victory over Ciryl Gane.
Negotiations between Jones and UFC officials for a fight with Aspinall had reportedly stalled in recent weeks. White had hinted that Jones was seeking a significant payday for the bout.
Former UFC champion and commentator Daniel Cormier recently called on the UFC to strip Jones due to inactivity, a move that now becomes official with Saturday’s announcement.
Jones’s retirement clears the way for a new era in the heavyweight division, with Aspinall prepared to take on top contenders. Potential matchups could include a rematch with Gane or bouts against Curtis Blaydes and Alexander Volkov.
It remains to be seen whether Jones’s retirement will be permanent, but for now, the UFC heavyweight division belongs to Aspinall.