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Tom Aspinall has issued his first statement as UFC heavyweight champion.
Moments after UFC CEO Dana White dropped the bombshell Saturday that Jon Jones informed the promotion of retirement, Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) reacted with a brief message to his Instagram followers.
"For you fans," Aspinall wrote. "It’s time to get this Heavyweight division going. An active Undisputed Champion"
Aspinall, 32, was interim UFC heavyweight champion from November 2023 until Saturday when he was named the only champion. He defended that interim title once, as Jones returned from injury to fight Stipe Miocic in November 2024.
Since then, the unification bout was in limbo, as White confidently voiced the fight would happen, even as recently as June 7. However, the latest development has stuck a dagger in the potential heavyweight megafight.
It's unclear what Aspinall's first challenge will be with undisputed gold. Top contenders Ciryl Gane and Jailton Almeida are not currently booked. Neither fighter has faced Aspinall in the past.
More: 2025 MMA retirement tracker: A list of those who hung up the gloves
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Tom Aspinall reacts to Jon Jones UFC retirement, championship crowning
Continue reading...
Moments after UFC CEO Dana White dropped the bombshell Saturday that Jon Jones informed the promotion of retirement, Aspinall (15-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) reacted with a brief message to his Instagram followers.
"For you fans," Aspinall wrote. "It’s time to get this Heavyweight division going. An active Undisputed Champion"
Aspinall, 32, was interim UFC heavyweight champion from November 2023 until Saturday when he was named the only champion. He defended that interim title once, as Jones returned from injury to fight Stipe Miocic in November 2024.
Since then, the unification bout was in limbo, as White confidently voiced the fight would happen, even as recently as June 7. However, the latest development has stuck a dagger in the potential heavyweight megafight.
It's unclear what Aspinall's first challenge will be with undisputed gold. Top contenders Ciryl Gane and Jailton Almeida are not currently booked. Neither fighter has faced Aspinall in the past.
More: 2025 MMA retirement tracker: A list of those who hung up the gloves
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Tom Aspinall reacts to Jon Jones UFC retirement, championship crowning
Continue reading...
