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

While many have criticized former UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones for officially retiring without facing interim champion Tom Aspinall, another combat sports star chose to pay him respect.

The UFC heavyweight division is finally showing signs of life. With Jon Jones reportedly stepping away from the sport, a long-stalled weight class is beginning to churn forward. The 33-year-old Brazilian from Salvador has quietly become one of the most avoided problems in the UFC—just ask anyone who’s had to peel him off their back.