Tom Aspinall Reacts to Jon Jones Retirement, Focuses on Heavyweight Title Defense
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- Tom Aspinall Reacts to Jon Jones Retirement, Focuses on Heavyweight Title Defense
England’s Tom Aspinall has responded to Jon Jones’s recent retirement from mixed martial arts, stating he wishes Jones well and expressing his only disappointment was not having the prospect to officially compete for the undisputed UFC heavyweight title, a title Aspinall now holds.
Aspinall Becomes Undisputed Champion After Jones’s Exit
Aspinall (15-3) ascended to the undisputed champion status last saturday, following UFC CEO Dana White’s announcement that Jones (28-1) had retired from the sport. Aspinall, who secured the interim title in November 2023, had been anticipating a unification bout against Jones. He even defended his interim title in July 2024 [[SOURCE: ESPN]].
Ultimately, Jones, 37, chose to retire rather than face Aspinall, a decision Aspinall seems to accept. Aspinall, 32, is now expected to defend his heavyweight title in the near future.
Did You Know? Aspinall defended his interim title in July 2024, a rare move for an interim champion.
Aspinall’s Perspective on Jones’s Retirement
In a recent interview, Aspinall admitted he wished Jones had remained in the sport “from a selfish perspective,” but clarified that he doesn’t resent Jones’s retirement as much as he desired the fight. He maintains that he has always considered himself the champion and is pleased that the situation with Jones is “in the past and we can move on.”
“I’ve said it a million times: I was never actually chasing Jon, I was chasing the heavyweight title,” Aspinall stated. “Don’t get me wrong, Jon Jones would have been an amazing scalp to have on my record, but the opponent standing across from me never mattered. It has never mattered, and it never will matter. What was critically important to me was being the best in the world.”
Jones’s Recent Legal Troubles
Earlier this month,Jones,widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time,faced charges for allegedly leaving the scene of an accident in Albuquerque,New Mexico,in February. he is scheduled to appear in court next month. This misdemeanor charge is the latest in a series of legal issues that have plagued Jones throughout his career [[SOURCE: ESPN]].
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on official UFC announcements for updates on Aspinall’s next opponent and fight date.
Aspinall’s Future Plans
With Jones officially retired, Aspinall anticipates defending his heavyweight crown soon. He expressed his desire to compete twice this year, even though no official bouts are currently scheduled.
“There’s one coming,” Aspinall said regarding his next fight. “It’s going to be soon. I want to fight twice this year. Absolutely I see that [happening].”
Heavyweight Champions: A Comparison
| Fighter | Age | Record | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Aspinall | 32 | 15-3 | undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion |
| Jon Jones | 37 | 28-1 (Retired) | Former UFC Heavyweight Champion |
What’s Next for the Heavyweight Division?
The retirement of Jon Jones opens up new possibilities for the heavyweight division. Tom Aspinall’s reign as champion promises exciting matchups and a fresh chapter for the sport.
What are your predictions for Aspinall’s next fight? who do you think he should face?
The Evolution of UFC Heavyweight Champions
The UFC heavyweight division has a rich history of dominant champions and memorable rivalries. From Randy couture to Stipe Miocic, the title has been held by some of the sport’s most iconic figures. Jon Jones’s brief reign and subsequent retirement add another layer to this legacy, paving the way for Tom Aspinall to forge his own path.
Frequently Asked Questions About UFC Heavyweight Division
- Who is the current UFC Heavyweight Champion?
- Tom Aspinall is the current undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion.
- When did Jon Jones retire?
- Jon Jones’s retirement was announced in June 2025 by UFC CEO Dana White.
- what is Tom Aspinall’s fighting record?
- Tom Aspinall’s current fighting record is 15 wins and 3 losses (15-3).
- What are some of the biggest upsets in UFC Heavyweight history?
- Some notable upsets include matt Serra defeating Georges St-Pierre and Holly Holm defeating Ronda Rousey.
- How has the UFC heavyweight division evolved over time?
- The division has seen a shift from wrestling-heavy styles to more well-rounded skill sets, with fighters like Stipe Miocic and now Tom Aspinall showcasing striking and grappling prowess.
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