JON JONES has vacated his UFC heavyweight title and retired from mixed martial arts.
The 37-year-old had been on course for a mammoth title unification fight with Brit Tom Aspinall since last November.
Jones agreed to the historic showdown after the UFC met his demands to be paid “f**k you money” but started flirting with the possibility of retirement.
And the former pound-for-pound king has opted to call time of his illustrious and chequered career without sharing the cage with Aspinal.
UFC supremo Dana White announced Jones’ retirement in the early hours of the morning, saying.
He said: “Jon Jones called us last night and retired.
Jon Jones is officially retired and Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.”
Jones confirmed his retirement in a lengthy statement on X: “Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the UFC.
“This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years.
“From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible in this sport.
“Becoming the youngest UFC champion in history, defending my title against some of the best fighters in the world, and sharing unforgettable moments with fans across the globe—these are memories I’ll cherish forever.
“I’ve faced incredible highs and some tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger, both as a fighter and as a person.
“I want to thank the UFC, Dana, Hunter, Lorenzo, God, my family, coaches, teammates, and all the fans who have stood by me through every chapter.
“Your unwavering support and belief in me have been my foundation. To my fellow fighters, thank you for bringing out the best in me and for the respect we’ve shared inside and outside the cage.
“As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead. MMA will always be a part of who I am, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to contribute to the sport and inspire others in new ways.
“Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come.”
THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY..
The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/TheSunFootball and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSunFootball.
