Tom Aspinall won the interim title in November 2023; Jon Jones defended his belt in November 2024 Manchester's Tom Aspinall has been upgraded to undisputed heavyweight champion as the UFC announced Jon Jones had officially retired. The decision, delivered by Dana White after aUFC Fight Night in Azerbaijan, brings to an end seven months of uncertainty in the heavyweight division. Aspinall is just the third Briton to become a UFC champion and spent 19 months as interim champion. "Jon Jones called us last night and retired," White said. "Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC. "Do I regret the time that I gave [Jones to decide]? Listen, if you look at what he's accomplished in the sport, no." Jones, 37, claimed the heavyweight title in March 2023 andfought Stipe Miociclast November, despite Aspinall claiming the interim belt the year before. Aspinall campaigned for a fight with Jones but the American decided againstaccepting the UFC's offer. Jones is considered one of the best mixed martial artists of all time but will turn 38 in July and said previously fighting Aspinall wouldn't add to his "legacy". Aspinall reacted to the news on his social media, saying: "For you fans, it's time to get this heavyweight division going. An active undisputed champion." The Englishman is expected to defend the title this summer or early autumn and is likely to facenumber-one contender Ciryl Gane. Aspinall has not fought since July 2024 and has spent just three minutes and 22 seconds in the octagon since 2023. "I obviously feel bad for Tom that he lost all that time and obviously money, but we'll make it up to him," said White. "Tom Aspinall's a good guy. He's been incredible through this whole process. "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'." This video can not be played How Aspinall went from £20 in the bank to UFC star Aspinall goes down in history as the longest-reigning interim champion in the UFC. Uncertainty and desperate negotiations have left the division at a standstill for seven months and fans will be left wondering why the UFC let it go on for so long. Since November, White has insisted again and again the fight between Aspinall and Jones would be made. It wasn't until the last two weeks that the UFC president finally seemed to signal they weren't going to be able to convince Jones. But such is the power of the star, 'Bones' Jones was permitted to keep the belt despite a lengthy injury absence and was allowed to fight Miocic, a retiring legend, instead of Aspinall on his comeback. These allowances were understandable in many ways given the circumstances, but it is also true they happened because Jones has earned his right to dictate. But even his power has a limit and the UFC has reached it. Now the heavyweight division will open a new chapter, with an Englishman at the peak. It is a seminal moment for UK MMA as Aspinall follows in the footsteps of Leon Edwards and Michael Bisping and becomes the first Briton to hold the UFC heavyweight title, arguably the most coveted title in MMA. The Mancunian has played the devoted company man and should now be rewarded, although two-time title challenger Gane will not be an easy first defence. Aspinall will feel his reign as undisputed champion won't officially start until the next time his hand is raised in the octagon.
Aspinall upgraded to undisputed UFC champion as Jones retires
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"Tom Aspinall Elevated to UFC Heavyweight Champion Following Jon Jones' Retirement"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
Tom Aspinall has been elevated to the position of undisputed heavyweight champion in the UFC following the retirement of Jon Jones, a decision announced by UFC President Dana White after a recent Fight Night event in Azerbaijan. This announcement marks the conclusion of a prolonged period of uncertainty within the heavyweight division, which had persisted for seven months. Aspinall, who secured the interim title in November 2023, is now recognized as the third British fighter to hold a UFC championship title. White confirmed that Jones, who has long been considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists in history, communicated his decision to retire, effectively ending his reign as champion. Aspinall, who had been patiently waiting for an opportunity to face Jones, expressed his eagerness to move forward, urging fans for an active heavyweight division with a champion ready to defend his title. The English fighter has been inactive since July 2024 and has spent a mere three minutes and 22 seconds competing in the octagon since 2023.
The transition to Aspinall's undisputed championship comes after a series of negotiations and discussions that ultimately did not result in a title fight between him and Jones. While Jones had previously defended his title against Stipe Miocic in November 2024, he opted not to accept a fight against Aspinall, stating that such a matchup would not enhance his legacy. Despite the delays and the challenges faced during this period, White acknowledged Aspinall's patience and professionalism, indicating that the UFC would make amends for the time lost. Aspinall's next title defense is anticipated to occur in the summer or early autumn, with Ciryl Gane being the likely contender. This moment is significant not only for Aspinall but also for UK MMA, as he joins the ranks of fellow British champions Leon Edwards and Michael Bisping, and aims to solidify his legacy in the sport by actively defending his title against formidable opponents in the future.
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