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

His post comes after UFC president Dana White announced earlier Saturday that Jones officially retired from the promotion, making Tom Aspinall the new heavyweight champion. "Jon Jones called us last night and retired," White told reporters at a press conference. "Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC."