In a move that has sent shockwaves through the MMA world, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has officially retired.
The announcement came during a high-profile press conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, where UFC president Dana White confirmed the news on Saturday.
Jones Calls UFC to Declare He’s Done Fighting
According to White, Jones reached out to UFC officials on Friday night to reveal that he no longer intends to compete.
This came after weeks of speculation and stalling around a much-anticipated fight with interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall.
The End of an Era: Jones Leaves Behind an Impressive Legacy
Jones, now 37, wraps up an incredible career boasting a 28-1 record.
He claimed the vacant UFC heavyweight title back in March 2023 and successfully defended it in a November bout against former champ Stipe Miocic.
However, since then, he hasn’t stepped back into the octagon.
Aspinall Waited Long Enough for a Title Unification
Tom Aspinall has been holding the interim heavyweight belt for the past 18 months, eagerly awaiting a unification fight with Jones.
But that showdown never happened, frustrating fans and fellow fighters alike.
Many have even demanded that Jones be stripped of the title due to the lengthy delay.
Jones Speaks Out About His Fighting Future
In a candid interview on the Full Send Podcast, Jones opened up about his uncertain future.
“I don’t want to say that I’m retired because fighting is in my blood,” he admitted.
“Right now, I could really care less about fighting… When the itch comes back, if it comes back, then I’ll do it with my whole heart.”
Dana White’s Patience Runs Thin as UFC Sets a Deadline
White had previously confirmed that Jones agreed to fight Aspinall, with paperwork reportedly underway.
But after months of waiting, the UFC boss’s patience is running out.
He called the potential bout “the biggest heavyweight fight in UFC history” and warned that if it doesn’t happen soon, the promotion will move on.
“If we can’t get this fight done, we’ll move on quickly. We’ll have answers in the next couple weeks,” White said.
Jones’ Record and Place Among MMA Greats
Jon Jones holds the record for most UFC wins at 16 and is widely considered one of the greatest fighters the sport has ever seen.
His retirement marks the end of a remarkable chapter in MMA history.
More updates to come as this story develops.