Dana White delivered major news at the UFC Baku post-fight press conference on June 21, 2025. He announced that heavyweight champion Jon Jones had retired from MMA. As a result, interim champion Tom Aspinall was promoted to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion, prompting an excited response from the new titleholder.
Jon Jones’ Storied Legacy
Jon Jones, a 38-year-old from New York, holds a 27-1 MMA record with one no-contest. He debuted in the UFC in 2008, winning the light heavyweight title against Mauricio Rua at UFC 128 in 2011. Jones defended that belt eight times, defeating fighters like Daniel Cormier and Alexander Gustafsson. He vacated the title in 2020 to pursue heavyweight, capturing it with a submission over Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 in March 2023. His final fight was a TKO victory over Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 in November 2024.
Tom Aspinall’s Championship Journey
Tom Aspinall, a 32-year-old from England, has a 15-3 MMA record. He joined the UFC in 2020, earning a knockout win over Jake Collier in 45 seconds at UFC Fight Night 172. Aspinall claimed the interim heavyweight title with a 69-second knockout of Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 in November 2023. He defended it against Curtis Blaydes via first-round knockout at UFC 304 in July 2024. Aspinall’s average fight time of 2:02 is the shortest in UFC history.
White’s Official Announcement
White revealed Jones’ decision during the press conference.
“Jon Jones called us last night and retired,” White said. “Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.”
The announcement followed months of uncertainty, as Jones had hinted at retirement in a June 19, 2025, Full Send podcast, prioritizing family over fighting.
White reflected on the UFC’s efforts to book a unification bout.
“Do I regret the time that I gave him? Listen if you look at what he’s accomplished in the sport, no [I don’t regret it],” White said. “It is what it is.”
In March 2025, White called Jones vs. Aspinall the “biggest heavyweight fight” possible. Jones agreed to the matchup on June 8, 2025, but talks collapsed by June 17, 2025.
Aspinall shared his excitement on Instagram.
“For you fans,” Aspinall wrote. “It’s time to get this heavyweight division going. An active undisputed champion.”
White praised his attitude.
“Tom Aspinall’s a good guy. He’s been incredible through this whole process that we’ve gone through. He’s been willing to do anything, fight him anywhere at any time and do this and now he’s like ‘I’ll fight anybody — you tell me who and I’ll fight them.’”
White acknowledged Aspinall’s patience during the delays.
“I obviously feel bad for Tom that he lost all that time and obviously money but we’ll make it up to him,” White said.
He expressed confidence in the new champion. “Aspinall’s been great. He’s going to be a great heavyweight champion for us. I’m excited to work with him.”
Aspinall’s first title defense remains unconfirmed, with Alexander Volkov and Ciryl Gane as likely contenders, per ESPN. Aspinall mentioned preparing for Volkov on his YouTube channel in June 2025. White’s promise to compensate Aspinall suggests a high-profile fight, possibly in late 2025 at a major UFC event.
Aspinall, with a 15-3 record, aims to keep the division active with his finishing skills. Jones, with a 27-1 record, retires as one of MMA’s greatest fighters. Aspinall’s promotion and reaction signal a vibrant future for UFC heavyweights.
