Legendary fighter Jon Jones has ended one of the most illustrious careers in heavyweight MMA history by formally announcing his retirement from the UFC,
a move that has shocked the mixed martial arts community.
The heavyweight title has now been handed to interim champion Tom Aspinall.
Furthermore, UFC President Dana White made the announcement on Saturday, June 21, at a press conference in Baku, Azerbaijan.
White confirmed that Jon Jones called UFC officials late Friday night
to let them know he was leaving the sport after two years as heavyweight champion.
There was increasing conjecture regarding Jones’s future
because the 37-year-old had previously expressed a hesitancy to defend his title against Aspinall.
Jones also confirmed his retirement in a thorough statement posted on his official X account, putting an end to the rumors.
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“Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the UFC,” Jones wrote.
“This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years.”
“I’ve faced incredible highs and some tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger,” he said.
“MMA will always be a part of who I am… The best is yet to come.”
Why Jon Jones Is Likely Retiring This Early!
Meanwhile, The Albuquerque Journal, the biggest news source in the city where Jones has lived and trained for years,
announced online shortly after that post that Jones was once again in legal trouble.
The report claims that Jones is facing a criminal summons for allegedly fleeing the scene of an accident.
According to the Journal, his bond arraignment is set for July 24.
Although Jones did not mention his latest legal issue in his retirement statement,
and White did not also mention it when he announced Jones was retired.
Jon Jones however is the first fighter in UFC history to twice be stripped of titles – and the only one to be stripped three times.
Jon Jones ends his career with an exceptional professional record of 28 wins, 1 loss, and 1 no contest.
He also captured the vacant UFC heavyweight title in March 2023 and last defended it against Stipe Miocic in November that same year.
Meanwhile, Aspinall, who has held the interim belt for 18 months, has now been declared the undisputed heavyweight champion.
While fans and analysts long anticipated a unification bout between the two fighters,
ongoing delays and Jones’ absence had already prompted calls for the UFC to strip him of the title.