Aspinall crowned undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion as Jon Jones Retires

Manchester's own Tom Aspinall is now officially the undisputed heavyweight king of the UFC. The announcement came from UFC President Dana White following a Fight Night event in Azerbaijan, confirming that Jon Jones has officially retired, finally bringing an end to seven months of uncertainty plaguing the heavyweight division.

This promotion makes Aspinall just the third Briton to ever hold a UFC championship. He had previously spent 19 months as the interim heavyweight titleholder, patiently awaiting a shot at the undisputed crown.

"Jon Jones called us last night and retired," White stated. "Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC." When asked if he regretted the time given to Jones, White acknowledged Jones's accomplishments, implying the wait was justifiable given the legendary fighter's stature.

Jones, 37, initially claimed the heavyweight title in March 2023. Despite Aspinall securing the interim belt the same year, Jones opted to fight Stipe Miocic last November instead of facing Aspinall. Jones, widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, had previously stated that fighting Aspinall wouldn't enhance his "legacy," especially as he approaches his 38th birthday in July.

Aspinall wasted no time reacting to the news on social media, expressing his readiness: "For you fans, it's time to get this heavyweight division going. An active undisputed champion."

The Englishman is expected to make his first title defense this summer or early autumn, with Ciryl Gane, the number-one contender, being the likely opponent. Aspinall has seen limited octagon time recently, having not fought since July 2024 and spending only a combined three minutes and 22 seconds in action since 2023. White acknowledged the lost time and money for Aspinall but assured that the UFC would "make it up to him."

"Tom Aspinall's a good guy. He's been incredible through this whole process," White added, praising Aspinall's willingness to fight anyone, anywhere, at any time.

Aspinall now holds the record for the longest-reigning interim champion in UFC history. The prolonged uncertainty and negotiations surrounding Jones's return had effectively paralyzed the division for seven months. While White had consistently insisted a fight between Aspinall and Jones would happen, he finally signaled in the last two weeks that convincing Jones was unlikely.

Jones's immense star power allowed him to retain the belt despite a lengthy injury absence and choose a comeback fight against a retiring legend in Miocic over Aspinall. However, even Jones's considerable influence had its limits, which the UFC has now reached.

This marks a pivotal moment for UK MMA, as Aspinall follows in the footsteps of Leon Edwards and Michael Bisping to become the first Briton to hold the prestigious UFC heavyweight title. The Mancunian has demonstrated unwavering loyalty to the UFC and is now set to be rewarded, though a challenge from the two-time title contender Gane will be no easy task. Aspinall himself likely feels his true reign as undisputed champion will only officially begin once he secures his first defense in the octagon.