In a series of social media posts late this past week, Jones inferred he told the UFC he was done fighting soon after he beat Stipe Miocic in November 2024, and that he never intended to return to fight interim champion Tom Aspinall. That goes contrary to White's claims that the fight was booked and repeated assurances that it would happen.

Former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones once again caused a stir when he claimed that he's been retired for months, but UFC president Dana White isn't letting that fly.

UFC President Dana White confirms Tom Aspinall’s next title challenger following Jon Jones’ retirement, setting the stage for a thrilling new era in the heavyweight division.