Jon Jones’ retirement marks more than just the end of an illustrious career.
It also represents a significant shift in the MMA landscape.
JonesGettyFor the first time since 2004, there are now no male UFC champions hailing from the United States.
Female bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison is the only American in possession of a world title right now, with the rest of the divisions topped by a mix of Russians, Australians and other nations.
The United States has traditionally been the most dominant force in MMA, but that trend has declined over the years.
Since the inception of the UFC in 1993, there have been 73 American UFC champions.
The closest country to the US in terms of dominance is Brazil, which has produced 22 champions.
Meanwhile, Russia has overtaken America as the superpower of MMA in recent years.
All hope is not lost yet, though, as there is still a decent crop of fighters from the US creeping closer to title contention.
Brandon Royval is set to face Joshua Van in a flyweight title eliminator at UFC 317, while Sean O’Malley, Sean Strickland, Justin Gaethje, and Sean Brady are all ranked within the top three of their respective divisions.
But all of the aforementioned names are at least one fight away from a world title shot, meaning we could welcome in 2026 without a single US champion.
Long-suffering interim champion Tom Aspinall succeeds Jones as the undisputed heavyweight, making him the third Brit to get his hands on UFC gold behind Michael Bisping and Leon Edwards.
Current male UFC champions
Flyweight – Alexandre Pantoja, Brazil Bantamweight – Merab Dvalishvili, Georgia Featherweight – Alexander Volkanovski, Australia Lightweight – Islam Makhachev, Russia (set to be vacated) Welterweight – Jack Della Maddalena, Australia Middleweight – Dricus du Plessis, South Africa Light Heavyweight – Magomed Ankalaev, Russia Heavyweight – Tom Aspinall, United KingdomAspinall spent almost two years chasing a fight with ‘Bones’.
During which time, he set the unwanted record of becoming the longest-reigning interim champion in UFC history.
MMA’s premier promotion had worked tirelessly to get a clash between Jones and Aspinall over the line.
And despite Dana White‘s assurance that the blockbuster showdown would be made, it wasn’t to be.
According to esteemed MMA journalist Ariel Helwani, Jones initially agreed to terms to fight Aspinall before going back on his word.
He then phoned White over the weekend to announce his retirement.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Jon Jones retirement bucks stunning 21-year trend to draw in new UFC era )
Also on site :