Jones was the heavyweight champion and in discussion to fight interim titleholder Tom Aspinall throughout the year

Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall was a done deal with the fight being targeted for the UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden in New York but then the reigning heavyweight champion changed his mind and decided to retire from the sport instead.

UFC President Dana White said Saturday that Jon Jones, the UFC heavyweight champ and former light heavyweight champion, has retired. Tom Aspinall, the former interim champ, is now the UFC's heavyweight champion, White said.