Sun Jun 22 07:33:57 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**MMA World Stunned: Jon Jones Retires, Tom Aspinall Crowned Undisputed Heavyweight Champion**
**Baku, Azerbaijan** – In a shocking announcement from UFC President Dana White in Baku, Azerbaijan, MMA legend Jon Jones has officially retired from the sport. The news comes as a surprise, especially after Jones himself hinted on a recent podcast that retirement wasn’t definite. With Jones’ departure, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has been elevated to undisputed title holder.
“Jon Jones called us last night and retired,” White confirmed during a press conference following UFC Fight Night. “Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.”
Jones, who turns 38 next month, leaves behind a storied career marked by a 28-1 record with 11 knockouts. He held titles in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. A highly anticipated unification bout with the 32-year-old Aspinall was planned, but sidelined due to a Jones injury that led to Aspinall winning the interim title in November.
Aspinall (15-3), wasted no time reacting to the news, posting on Instagram: “For you fans. It’s time to get this heavyweight division going. An active undisputed champion.”
Jones last fought on November 16, 2024, defeating Stipe Miocic by TKO. His career, while dominant, has also been punctuated by controversy, including legal issues and a 2016 suspension for a positive drug test.
**UFC Fight Night Results:**
The Baku event also featured a series of exciting fights:
* **Main Event:** Khalil Rountree Jr. secured a dominant unanimous decision win against Jamahal Hill.
* **Co-Main Event:** Rafael Fiziev defeated Ignacio Bahamondes by unanimous decision.
* Curtis Blaydes earned a split decision victory over debutant Rizvan Kuniev.
* Nazim Sadykhov defeated Nikolas Motta by TKO in a thrilling, back-and-forth lightweight bout.
The UFC is expected to announce Aspinall’s first title defense in the coming weeks.
First Piper 