UFC legend Jon Jones has officially announced his retirement, leading to Britain`s Tom Aspinall being promoted to the undisputed heavyweight champion.
Jones, 37, held titles in both the light-heavyweight and heavyweight divisions during his career. His most recent bout was a victory over Stipe Miocic in November.
He etched his name in history in 2011 by becoming the youngest UFC champion ever at the age of 23, defeating Mauricio Rua. However, his illustrious career was frequently marked by controversy, including positive tests for banned performance-enhancing substances and issues with U.S. law enforcement during his tenure with the promotion.
Today, I am officially announcing my retirement from the UFC. This decision comes after significant reflection, and I want to express my profound gratitude for the journey I`ve had over the years. From my first fight in the Octagon, my aim was to challenge the limits of what was possible in this sport. Becoming the youngest UFC champion in history, defending my title against top opponents, and sharing incredible moments with fans globally – these memories will always be with me. I`ve experienced tremendous successes and difficult setbacks, but each challenge provided a valuable lesson and strengthened me as both an athlete and an individual.
Consequently, Britain`s Tom Aspinall, 32, who previously held the interim heavyweight belt, is now recognized as the full champion. This elevation follows his recent dominant victories over Marcin Tybura, Sergei Pavlovich, and Curtis Blaydes.
