Jon Jones may be closer to retirement than fans expected. During a recent conversation with Russian promoter Kamil Gadzhiev, the UFC heavyweight champ casually dropped the line “I’m done.” Simple words, but loaded with meaning for a division that’s been stuck in limbo for months.
The fight that keeps slipping away
Fans were hoping to finally get a title unification bout between Jones and interim champ Tom Aspinall. But nothing’s moved. Since Jones defeated Stipe Miocic at UFC 309 last November, he’s been inactive. Dana White has maintained that the fight will happen but Jones’s comments suggest he may no longer be interested.
According to Jones, the UFC already knows where he stands. He claims he told them his decision a while ago, but the promotion hasn’t shared it publicly. That’s only added to the confusion and frustration around what was supposed to be a marquee heavyweight clash.
Aspinall left waiting
On the other side of this saga, Tom Aspinall has been ready for months. He won the interim belt by finishing Sergei Pavlovich in November 2023 and defended it against Curtis Blaydes last summer. Since then, he’s waited and waited. No contract, no date, no real clarity.
The longer this drags on, the more fans are questioning whether Jones ever intended to face him at all. Some are starting to view the delays as calculated. Others think Jones simply doesn’t have anything left to prove and doesn’t want to risk his legacy against a younger, faster contender.
What happens if Jones walks?
If Jones officially retires and that still hasn’t been confirmed — the UFC will need to act fast. Aspinall could be promoted to undisputed champion, or he might be matched with someone like Ciryl Gane for the vacant title. Either way, the heavyweight division needs movement, and soon.
Still no official word
As of now, the UFC hasn’t responded to Jones’s latest comments. No announcements, no timelines, just silence. For fans and fighters alike, it’s an awkward wait. And for Aspinall, it’s yet another reminder that sometimes, even winning the belt doesn’t get you the fight you deserve.
