Jon Jones announces UFC retirement after Baku event, hands heavyweight title to Tom Aspinall
Jon Jones announced his retirement from the UFC on Saturday, shortly after UFC Baku concluded, confirming news that UFC President Dana White had first shared during the event's post-fight press conference.
The announcement effectively ends one of the most dominant and controversial careers in MMA history. At 37, Jones exits amid prolonged uncertainty about his future in the heavyweight division, including a repeatedly delayed unification bout with interim champion Tom Aspinall. Jones' retirement also means Aspinall is now recognized as the undisputed UFC Heavyweight Champion, a change White confirmed during the press conference.
'Today, I'm officially announcing my retirement from the UFC,' Jones posted on X (formerly Twitter). He expressed gratitude for his journey, thanking the UFC, Dana White, fellow fighters, and others in the MMA community. 'As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead,' he added.
The sudden announcement caught many fans and analysts off guard. With no prior hints, the retirement has left room for speculation about Jones' next move. Some wondered whether he might still compete outside of the UFC, possibly reviving long-rumored matchups such as a fight with Francis Ngannou.
One user posted, 'Are we actually going to get the Ngannou fight?' while others criticized Jones for retiring without facing Aspinall. Some fans voiced doubts over the finality of the decision. 'Your ego won't allow you to retire. You'll be back,' one comment read.
While his future remains uncertain, Jon Jones' departure marks the end of an era — one that redefined dominance and controversy in mixed martial arts.
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