Jon Jones Retired; Aspinall Later Vacated UFC Title
Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall were discussed as a potential heavyweight title-unification matchup in early 2025, but the bout was never booked. Jones retired in June 2025 and vacated the title; the UFC elevated interim champion Aspinall to undisputed champion. Aspinall vacated the belt in September 2026, according to his current UFC profile.
The proposed unification fight fell through
Interest in a Jones-Aspinall fight grew after Aspinall defended his interim title against Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July 2024 and Jones defeated Miocic in November. In March 2025, UFC officials publicly expressed confidence that Jones and Aspinall could meet, but no bout agreement or date followed.
Jones retired; Aspinall was elevated
On June 21, 2025, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Jones had retired. The promotion then recognized Aspinall as undisputed heavyweight champion. A bout that had been discussed for months as a unification fight was no longer possible under that championship picture.
The heavyweight title picture changed again
Aspinall’s first defense against Ciryl Gane ended in a no-contest in October 2025 after an accidental eye poke left him unable to continue. In September 2026, Aspinall vacated the title because of ongoing complications from that eye injury. UFC then promoted Gane, the interim champion, to undisputed champion and scheduled his first defense against Josh Hokit at UFC 334 on November 14, 2026. The UFC’s announcement confirmed the title change and booking. The Jones-Aspinall fight never took place.
Sources: UFC’s announcement of Jones’ retirement and Aspinall’s promotion; Reuters on the Aspinall-Gane no-contest; Reuters on Aspinall vacating the title.
