With Jon Jones retiring and relinquishing his UFC heavyweight title, White was asked if he'd be willing to re-sign Ngannou. Prior to Jones calling it a career, Ngannou's team hinted that the former UFC heavyweight champion could be willing to come back to the octagon.

According to UFC president Dana White, the deal for Jon Jones, 37, to face Aspinall was “done” before Jones called White on Saturday and retired from mixed martial arts competition.

Professional mixed martial artist Jon Jones has officially retired from the UFC and relinquished his heavyweight title to Tom Aspinall, who had held the interim belt for 18 months.