Aspinall Declares Jon Jones Retired and Demands to Move to the Heavyweight Division
UFC interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has officially declared Jon Jones retired. Aspinall, who has been waiting for a unification fight against Jones, expressed his frustration with the undisputed champion’s inactivity.
Jon Jones is retired. I mean, God bless him in whatever he does with his life and career. We move on. I am the undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. I am ready to face everyone and get this division moving again.
Tom Aspinall
Aspinall (15-3), defended his interim title in July 2024 and seems tired of waiting for Jones (28-1), who has been out of action.
The UFC CEO, Dana White, has called the potential matchup between Jones and Aspinall “the biggest fight in heavyweight history,” but Jones has not confirmed his interest, which has led Aspinall to take this stance.Aspinall also criticized the inactivity of other contenders in the division, stating that the situation is stagnant. “The other guys don’t want to fight anyone because they could be next. Everyone else is afraid to fight. Nobody wants to make the next move. The division is completely stagnant,” he added.
Aspinall announced that his next move will be announced “soon” in conjunction with the UFC. Jon Jones, 37, is widely regarded as one of the best fighters of all time. He moved up from the light heavyweight division in March 2023 and won the undisputed heavyweight title by submitting Ciryl Gane. Since then, he has only fought once, defending his title against Stipe Miocic in November.
