In a defining shift for UFC’s heavyweight landscape, Tom Aspinall has officially been crowned undisputed heavyweight champion following the retirement of Jon Jones, one of the sport’s all-time greats. The announcement was made by UFC President Dana White after UFC Fight Night in Baku, Azerbaijan, ending months of speculation about the future of the division.
“Jon Jones called us last night and retired,” White told media. “Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.”
The announcement brings to a close a complex chapter in the UFC, marked by Jon Jones’ injury layoff and Aspinall’s patient but powerful rise through the ranks.
Aspinall’s Long-Awaited Moment
Hailing from Manchester, 32-year-old Tom Aspinall had held the interim heavyweight title since November 2023, after knocking out Sergei Pavlovich in just over a minute. However, despite his dominant performances, a unification bout with Jones never materialized.
Jones last competed in November 2024, defeating Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in New York. Aspinall has not fought since UFC 304 in July 2024, where he dispatched Curtis Blaydes in emphatic fashion. He has spent just 3 minutes and 22 seconds in the Octagon since 2023.
“It’s time to get this heavyweight division going,” Aspinall wrote on Instagram. “An active undisputed champion.”
Why Jones Walked Away
Jon Jones, now 37 and soon to be 38, retires with a 28-1 record, having held both the light heavyweight and heavyweight titles. A gifted athlete with a troubled history, Jones’ career has been marked by dazzling victories, legal troubles, and suspensions — including a one-year ban in 2016 for PEDs, which he still contests.
Though he hinted at uncertainty on the Full Send podcast days before the announcement, Jones’ camp officially notified the UFC of his decision Friday night.
“Right now, I could really care less about fighting,” Jones said in the podcast. “But if the itch comes back, I’ll do it with my whole heart.”
Despite holding the belt for over a year, Jones never defended it against Aspinall — citing that fighting the Englishman would not “add to his legacy.”
What’s Next for Aspinall?
Dana White has confirmed that Aspinall is likely to defend his undisputed title this summer or early autumn, with Ciryl Gane — the top contender — expected to be the first challenger. White also promised to “make it up” to Aspinall for the time and potential earnings lost during the championship limbo.
“Tom’s been incredible through this whole process. He’s ready to fight anyone, anywhere, anytime,” White said.
Aspinall’s resume speaks for itself: 15 wins, 3 losses, 11 by knockout, and a humble yet driven attitude that fans have embraced.
Baku Fight Night Recap: Rountree Jr. and Fiziev Shine
While the championship news dominated headlines, UFC Fight Night in Baku also delivered high-octane action:
- Khalil Rountree Jr. defeated Jamahal Hill via unanimous decision in a light heavyweight clash.
- Local favorite Rafael Fiziev outclassed Ignacio Bahamondes, earning his first win since 2022.
- Curtis Blaydes bounced back with a split decision win over debutant Rizvan Kuniev.
- In a war of attrition, Nazim Sadykhov came back from the brink to finish Nikolas Motta via second-round TKO in what many called the fight of the night.
A New Era Begins
With Jon Jones officially stepping away from the sport, the UFC heavyweight division now belongs to Tom Aspinall — a skilled striker, grappler, and a fighter eager to restore activity and clarity to the belt he’s long deserved.
The British powerhouse is no longer waiting in the wings. He’s now the face of the heavyweight division.