Manchester's Tom Aspinall has been officially upgraded to the undisputed UFC heavyweight champion after Jon Jones announced his retirement. The decision was made by Dana White following a UFC Fight Night in Azerbaijan, ending seven months of uncertainty in the heavyweight division.

Aspinall, 32, is now the third Briton to achieve this prestigious title, having spent 19 months as the interim champion. "Jon Jones called us last night and retired," White stated. "Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC."

Jones, 37, who claimed the heavyweight title in March 2023, fought Stipe Miocic last November, despite Aspinall holding the interim belt. Aspinall had campaigned for a fight with Jones, but the American declined, stating it wouldn't add to his "legacy".

Aspinall took to social media to express his excitement: "For you fans, it's time to get this heavyweight division going. An active undisputed champion." He is expected to defend his title this summer or early autumn, likely against Ciryl Gane, the number-one contender.

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," White added. "Tom Aspinall's a good guy. He's been incredible through this whole process."

Heavyweight Uncertainty Finally Ends

Aspinall now holds the record as the longest-reigning interim champion in UFC history. The division had been at a standstill for seven months, leaving fans questioning the delay. White had repeatedly insisted that a fight between Aspinall and Jones would happen, but it wasn't until recently that it became clear Jones wouldn't be convinced.

Jones was allowed to keep the belt despite a lengthy injury absence and fought Miocic instead of Aspinall on his comeback. These decisions, while understandable, highlighted Jones' influence in the sport. However, even his power has its limits, and the UFC has now moved forward with Aspinall as the new champion.

This marks a seminal moment for UK MMA, with Aspinall following in the footsteps of Leon Edwards and Michael Bisping. He is the first Briton to hold the UFC heavyweight title, arguably the most coveted title in MMA.

Aspinall, known for his dedication, is now set to face Gane, a challenging first defense. Aspinall will feel his reign as undisputed champion won't officially start until his next victory in the octagon.

Related Topics

• Mixed Martial Arts
• MMA schedule and results 2025
• Born to Brawl episodes
• BBC Sport notifications and social media