New linear heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall speaks out after Jon Jones' retirement

Tom Aspinall with the belt at UFC 304 (Photo: Instagram)

On Saturday night (21), Dana White surprised fans and journalists by announcing, during the UFC Baku press conference, the retirement of Jon Jones and the consequent promotion of Tom Aspinall to undisputed heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg). The Briton wasted no time and, minutes after the announcement, spoke out on social media. In publication short, the new linear champion promised an active reign in the category.

“For you fans, it’s time to get this heavyweight division moving. An active linear champion,” wrote the Briton when posting the video of Dana White’s statement.

See too

Jon Jones retires and Tom Aspinall is the new UFC heavyweight champion

Double bonus! Despite defeat, Nikolas Motta wins 'big money' after UFC Baku war

Tom Aspinall became the interim UFC champion by knocking out Russian Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295 in 2023. While awaiting the opportunity to face Jon Jones and unify the belts, the Briton defended his interim title against Curtis Blaydes in July of last year.

In recent months, the saga involving Jon Jones, Tom Aspinall, and the heavyweight titles has intensified. On one side, the Briton pressured his rival and the organization for the fight. On the other, 'Bones' showed no hurry to return to the octagon. This week, however, UFC president Dana White raised the stakes and issued an ultimatum for the fight to finally be scheduled. This statement seems to have motivated Jones to communicate his decision to hang up his gloves to the organization.

With Jon Jones out of the picture, there's no shortage of contenders to face Tom Aspinall in the Englishman's first title defense. The strongest name appears to be that of Frenchman Ciryl Gane, ranked number one in the division and currently without a fight scheduled.