Jon Jones 'announces retirement' with two-word message as Tom Aspinall UFC fight takes shock twist

Jon Jones has 'confirmed' his retirement with a blunt message despite rumours that the fight with Tom Aspinall may finally be coming together.

UFC heavyweight champion Jones has held the title for over two years after claiming it with a dominant first round win over Ciryl Gane at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Although a pectoral injury sidelined him for several months shortly after he won the title, Jones has only defended his UFC title once since winning it, beating a retired Stipe Miocic in November last year.

Since then, fans have called for the American to finally face interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, unifying the belts and settling who the baddest man in the organisation is.

But, after months of online drama and behind-the-scenes negotiations, it appears that Jones has made his mind up and announced his retirement in a clip that has gone viral online.

Despite UFC President and CEO Dana White telling fans to relax during a recent livestream, assuring them that the superfight between Jones and Aspinall will happen before the end of the year, the champion has shut the rumour down.

While speaking on a FaceTime call with MMA fighter Kamal Gadzhiev, Jones confirmed that he was retired when Gadzhiev hinted at Jones’s status as an active UFC fighter.

Dismissing the claim, Jones replied: "I’m done, I’m done."

This isn't the first time since his fight with Miocic that Jones has claimed that he is retired, but it comes shortly after he hinted at the UFC knowing his plans for the future, perhaps suggesting he is serious this time.

UFC interim champion Tom Aspinall has been outspoken about his desire to fight Jon Jones and unify the belts. (Image: Getty)

It was previously believed that, should Jones v Aspinall be agreed, it would take place on the upcoming UFC pay-per-view card that is set to take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden in November.

However, if Jones is true to his word and has actually retired, it is almost certain that Aspinall will be elevated to undisputed champion and fight a top contender in New York, with the likes of Ciryl Gane in with a shot at facing the Brit.