Manchester’s Tom Aspinall has been upgraded to undisputed heavyweight champion because the UFC introduced Jon Jones had formally retired.
The choice, delivered by Dana White after a UFC Fight Night in Azerbaijan, brings to an finish seven months of uncertainty within the heavyweight division.
Aspinall, 32, is simply the third Briton to grow to be a UFC champion and spent 19 months as interim champion.
“Jon Jones referred to as us final evening and retired,” White mentioned.
“Jon Jones is formally retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.
“Do I remorse the time that I gave [Jones to decide]? Pay attention, should you take a look at what he is achieved within the sport, no.”
Jones, 37, claimed the heavyweight title in March 2023 and fought Stipe Miocic final November, regardless of Aspinall claiming the interim belt the yr earlier than.
Aspinall campaigned for a struggle with Jones however the American determined in opposition to accepting the UFC’s offer.
Jones is taken into account top-of-the-line blended martial artists of all time however will flip 38 in July and mentioned beforehand combating Aspinall would not add to his “legacy”.
Aspinall reacted to the information on his social media, saying: “For you followers, it is time to get this heavyweight division going. An energetic undisputed champion.”
The Englishman is predicted to defend the title this summer time or early autumn and is more likely to face number-one contender Ciryl Gane.
Aspinall has not fought since July 2024 and has spent simply three minutes and 22 seconds within the octagon since 2023.
“I clearly really feel dangerous for Tom that he misplaced all that point and clearly cash, however we’ll make it as much as him,” mentioned White.
“Tom Aspinall’s a great man. He is been unimaginable by way of this complete course of.
“He is been keen to do something, struggle him anyplace at any time and do that, and now he is like ‘I am going to struggle anyone – you inform me who and I am going to struggle them’.”
