Tom Aspinall has taken to social media to share a message to fans after it was confirmed that he is the new UFC heavyweight champion.
The fast-rising British star has been interim champion for almost two years, but has failed to land a unification fight with Jon Jones. And this evening, Dana White confirmed to media that Jones has retired, making Aspinall the new undisputed champion.
It’s a welcome moment for fans and Aspinall, who has been out of action for almost a year as he awaited the decision on Jones’ future. He is now undisputed champion, with a slew of challengers waiting for him atop the heavyweight division.
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Tom Aspinall sends first message as UFC undisputed champion
Tom Aspinall has taken to Instagram to guarantee fans that he will be an active champion after officially dethroning Jon Jones without ever fighting him. The Brit had vowed to do just that for months, and finally got his wish last night when the legendary two-weight world champion hung up his gloves in private.
Aspinall shared a photo of himself with his belt, which has now been elevated to undisputed, alongside the caption: “For you fans. It’s time to get this Heavyweight division going. An active Undisputed Champion.”
Commenters were delighted, with one joking that he “Retired the ‘goat’ as you said! Thats a nice win to add to the resume sir.” Aspinall can now focus on the challenge of a new top contender, believed to be number one-ranked Ciryl Gane.
Dana White confirmed that Jon Jones has retired from UFC
This evening during a press conference at UFC Baku, Dana White announced that Jon Jones had made the decision to hang up his gloves. He has been debating the idea since before his last fight, but apparently made a phone call last night to confirm it.
The UFC’s official page has re-shared a clip of White in which he tells reporters: “Jon Jones called us last night and retired. Jon Jones is officially retired and Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.”
White’s news is welcome to fans who have wanted to see Aspinall fight for what will be over a year. He won his interim belt in November of 2023, and even defended it last summer against Curtis Blaydes before being forced to wait out Jones.