Tom Aspinall Reacts to Being Named UFC Heavyweight Champion After Jon Jones Retires
Tom Aspinall reacted to the news of being named the UFC heavyweight champion following Jon Jones’ retirement announcement.
"For you fans. It’s time to get this Heavyweight division going... An active Undisputed Champion," Aspinall wrote on social media.
Dana White and the UFC had been trying to book a fight between Jones and Aspinall for some time, but Jones continued to delay, appearing to avoid the matchup.
It wasn’t until Friday night that Jones officially laid down his gloves during a phone call with White, signaling his retirement.
"Jon Jones called us last night and retired. Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC," White told reporters on Saturday.
Aspinall, who holds a professional record of 15-3, was the No. 1 contender in the UFC heavyweight division.
White and the UFC community have been vocal about the lack of opportunities given to Aspinall during Jones’ reign—a situation they now plan to rectify as Aspinall takes his place as the division’s champion.
"I obviously feel bad for Tom that he lost all that time and money, but we'll make it up to him," White said. "Tom Aspinall is a good guy. He's been incredible through this whole process that we've gone through. He's been willing to do anything – fight him anywhere at any time and do this. Now he's like, 'I'll fight anybody. Tell me who and I'll fight him.' Aspinall has been great. He's going to be a great heavyweight champion for us and I'm excited to work with him."
