Leading up to UFC 317 fight week, Jon Jones created significant headlines. UFC President Dana White announced that Jones had informed the promotion of his retirement. Simultaneously, Tom Aspinall was promoted from interim to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. Adding to the news, Jones reportedly had another encounter with the law, which seems to complicate his situation further with each passing day.
In a new edition of Between the Links, the panel discusses the significant changes in the UFC`s heavyweight division, Jon Jones` retirement and his lasting impact on the sport, and Tom Aspinall`s stated goal of revitalizing the division. The conversation also covers UFC 317 happening this Saturday, including the main event featuring Ilia Topuria against Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title. The panel speculates on Topuria`s potential future path regardless of the outcome this Saturday. Furthermore, they touch upon Jake Paul`s upcoming boxing match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and the perceived lack of excitement surrounding that event, among other topics.
MMA Fighting`s Mike Heck and Jed Meshew host the discussion, answering viewer questions throughout the show.
