Dana White hails Tom Aspinall: UFC heavyweight champion ready to dominate

Following Jon Jones' official retirement, UFC President Dana White has elevated Tom Aspinall to undisputed heavyweight champion, praising his patience and promising reign. This marks a pivotal shift in MMA as Aspinall steps into the spotlight after a decade-long Jones legacy.

Sources:
mmafighting.comYahoo Sports
Updated 2h ago
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Sources: Yahoo Sportsmmafighting.com
UFC CEO Dana White confirmed the retirement of Jon Jones, one of MMA's greatest fighters, during a post-fight press conference in Baku. Jones, who dominated the light heavyweight division for over a decade before moving up to heavyweight and winning the title in 2023, officially stepped away from the sport.

In a significant shift, interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall has been promoted to full UFC heavyweight champion. White praised Aspinall's patience throughout the uncertain period as the UFC sought to arrange a unification bout between him and Jones.

"Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC," White announced.

White expressed no regrets about the time given to Jones to decide his future, highlighting Jones' accomplishments. He also expressed enthusiasm about Aspinall's potential, stating, "Aspinall's been great. He's going to be a great heavyweight champion for us. I'm excited to work with him."

Jones' retirement ends a bizarre standoff in the sport, marking a new era for the UFC heavyweight division with Aspinall ready to dominate.

Key stats and quotes:
- Jones' decade-long dominance in light heavyweight
- Jones won heavyweight title vacated by Francis Ngannou in 2023
- Dana White: "Jon Jones called us last night and retired."
- Dana White on Aspinall: "He's going to be a great heavyweight champion for us."
Sources: Yahoo Sportsmmafighting.com
UFC CEO Dana White announced Jon Jones' retirement, elevating interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall to full champion status. White praised Aspinall's patience and potential, calling him a future dominant force in the heavyweight division after Jones' decade-long reign and recent move up to heavyweight.
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The Headline

Jones retires; Aspinall named UFC heavyweight champ

Key Facts
  • Jon Jones officially retired, ending the drawn-out saga, as confirmed by UFC CEO Dana White during a post-fight press conference following the promotion's debut event in Azerbaijan.Yahoo Sports
  • Tom Aspinall was promoted to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion following Jones' retirement, as announced by Dana White.Yahoo Sports
  • Dana White praised Aspinall's patience and potential as the new heavyweight champion, expressing excitement to work with him.mmafighting.com
Jon Jones called us last night and retired, White said. Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.
mmafighting.com
mmafighting.com
The UFC heavyweight title was handed over in a news conference. UFC heavyweight champion and MMA legend Jon Jones told the promotion he has retired, Dana White said on Saturday after the promotion's card in Baku. Correspondingly, interim heavyweight champ Tom Aspinall has been elevated to the full title.
Yahoo Sports
Yahoo Sports
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Background Context

Jones' legacy and UFC's patient approach

Key Facts
  • Jon Jones dominated the UFC light heavyweight division for a decade, cementing his status as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history before moving up to heavyweight and winning the title vacated by Francis Ngannou in 2023.Yahoo Sports
  • A prolonged and bizarre standoff surrounded Jones' future in the UFC, which was one of the most unusual situations in sports before his retirement.Yahoo Sports
  • Dana White gave Jones time to decide his career path without regrets, stating he does not regret the time allowed given Jones' accomplishments in the sport.mmafighting.com
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