MMA: UFC legend Jon Jones retires at 37

There will be no second defense of the UFC heavyweight title for Jon Jones. Despite a much-anticipated and sought-after fight against his first challenger, Great Britain's Tom Aspinall, the 37-year-old American has decided to end his long and distinguished professional fighting career, turning a heavy page in the history of mixed martial arts.

It was UFC boss Dana White who announced it after Fight Night on Saturday in Baku, Azerbaijan. "Jon Jones called us yesterday and retired," he announced very laconically. "Tom Aspinall is the new heavyweight champion."

UFC heavyweight champion since March 2023 and his submission victory against Frenchman Ciryl Gane , before a long injury prevented him and allowed Tom Aspinall to seize the interim champion belt. If the two men had each defended their belt once since, in 2024 , a unification fight (between the champion and the interim champion) was highly anticipated. It will ultimately not take place. "It's time to move this division forward," the new heavyweight champion has already reacted on Instagram.

Jon Jones leaves the UFC with a historic record: 28 wins, one loss, and one no contest in 30 appearances in the octagon. He holds the record for most UFC title defenses (12, 11 at light heavyweight and one at heavyweight) and most UFC title fights (17). His career has also been marked by controversy, including two doping suspensions and several arrests for drunk driving and hit-and-runs.