In a major shift before one of the biggest fights of mixed martial arts, The UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones retired from the sport at the age of 37. UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the announcement. Jones is widely regarded as the best MMA fighter of all time.
“Jon Jones called us last night and retired. Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC,” White told reporters post-fight. With Jones stepping away from the sport, longtime interim titleholder Tom Aspinall has been elevated to the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Photo Cred: USA Today
A Storied Career Comes to a Close
Jon “Bones” Jones left the sport with 28 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no contest (28-1-0, 1 NC). He has captured titles in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. Jones captured his first UFC gold in 2011. He became the youngest champion in UFC history at 23 years young. His dominance at light heavyweight included 11 successful title defenses and a 20-fight win streak that solidified him as a GOAT (Greatest of All Time).
Career Highlights and Records
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Overall Record: 28-1-0, 1 NC
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UFC Record: 22-1-0, 1 NC
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Youngest UFC Champion: Won the light heavyweight title at age 23
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Two-Division Champion: Captured the heavyweight title in March 2023
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Most Title Defenses (Light Heavyweight): 11
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Most Wins in Light Heavyweight Division: All-time leader
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Most Title Fight Wins in UFC History: 16
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Height/Reach: 6’4″ (193 cm) / 84.5″ (214.6 cm)
A New Era Begins
Photo Cred: CNN
Tom Aspinall vs Jon Jones was the next mega fight in the UFC. With Jones’s retirement, Tom Aspinall is now the heavyweight champion. The British fighter was the interim champion and now is ushering in a new chapter in UFC history and the heavyweight division. Not only is he the greatest in the UFC but one of the greatest athletes of all time. His blend of athleticism, creativity, and dominance inside the cage leaves a lasting mark on the UFC and the broader world of combat sports. Jon Jones may have exited the Octagon for good, but his impact will be felt for generations.
