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.

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

Jon Jones is officially retired from MMA, with his retirement announced by Dana White during the UFC Baku post-event press conference on Saturday. While his departure from the sport was marred by accusations of ducking and a prolonged period of inactivity,