Nov 16, 2024; New York, NY, USA; Jon Jones (red gloves) celebrates in front of president-elect Donald Trump after defeating Stipe Miocic (not pictured) in the heavyweight bout during UFC 309 at ...

That defense came against Stipe Miocic, who hadn’t won a fight since 2020. In other words, the division has been stagnant. Aspinall has given every indication that he will be a fighting champion.

However, Jones had no interest in the matchup, and instead beat an aging Stipe Miocic last November, and after months of pulling Aspinall along, finally announced his retirement last weekend. That ...

For months, Aspinall called for a unification bout, even as Jones, fresh off a comeback win over a 42-year-old Stipe Miocic, dodged the conversation and the contract.

He defended it against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024. Jones was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame’s Fight Wing in 2021 for his 2013 bout with Gustafsson. His retirement followed a decision ...

But the 37-year-old has not fought since defending it in November against Stipe Miocic. Aspinall has held the interim belt for 18 months but a unification fight between the two is yet to materialize.

Jones had held out since November when he defeated Stipe Miocic, as a fight with Tom Aspinall loomed. Now, it appears it will no longer happen.

The prospect of Aspinall and Jones fighting each other had hung over the heavyweight division for months, especially after Jones retained his heavyweight title in November against Stipe Miocic. And ...

Jones had stopped Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 to retain his title in his first defense. Meanwhile, Aspinall avenged his loss to Curtis Blaydes with a first-round stoppage.

UCF President Dana White announced that Jon Jones has officially retired from MMA, ending his near-perfect career. The UFC has elevated Tom Aspinall to undisputed heavyweight champion.

MMA legend Jon Jones retires from UFC as announced by Dana White, ending his career after defending his title against Stipe Miocic.