Sumo row sees legendary wrestler quit Japan association to launch world project
Hakuho, the Mongolian-born former grand champion widely regarded as sumo wrestling's greatest competitor, has resigned from the Japan Sumo Association following a dispute with the sport's governing body.
The sanction stemmed from allegations that Hakuho failed to adequately supervise a wrestler within his training stable.
Hakuho's stable was closed a year ago. Japanese media reports say the wrestler in question engaged in physical violence. But closing a stable, instead of just punishing an individual wrestler, was unusual.
He did not directly criticize the professional Japan Sumo Association, but he said wrestlers who had trained under him were treated unfairly.
Hakuho, who was granted Japanese citizenship, said he had been in talks with the association but recently decided to quit because there was no hope of reopening his stable.
'After 25 years of loving sumo and being loved by sumo, I want to advance toward a new dream,' Hakuho told reporters Monday at a Tokyo hotel.
Hakuho said he wants to create a body to govern sumo outside Japan — the 'world sumo project.'
'When I think of my situation, I think it's best to contribute to sumo from the outside,' he said, wearing a dark suit and referring to the Japan Sumo Association.
Appearing with a lawyer and other officials he had tapped for his team, Hakuho said they were getting corporate sponsors to back sumo grand slams, which draw amateur sumo wrestlers from around the world, including children and women.
Hakuho said he was friends with Toyota Motor Corp. Chairman Akio Toyoda, who has expressed interest in supporting his efforts. Toyota already supports various amateur and professional sports activities.
Many regard the Mongolia-born Hakuko as the greatest champion in the sport's history and he holds many of its records.
Hahuko's late-father, who went by the given name of Monkhbat, was an Olympic silver medalist for Mongolia in 1968. He also competed in at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
Sumo encompasses very strict rules and traditions that have prompted other top wrestlers to pursue careers outside the sport.
Hahuko retired from active wrestling in 2021.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Best boxing betting sites in the UK – Top 10 bookies (2025)
Boxing has long been a favourite for UK punters, but finding the very best boxing betting sites in an ever-growing market can be a challenge. In this guide, we'll break down the top platforms in the UK, whether they have the most betting markets, the best odds, the fastest payouts, or simply the most generous promotions or a sublime user experience that makes it worth sticking around. We've rated each bookie using our exclusive " Sun Factor" ranking system — a clear and comprehensive set of guidelines for choosing only the best online casinos and sports betting platforms. This article will provide a brief comparison and review of each platform, explain how we picked our favourites, and give you advice on maximising your betting experience. Aside from the reviews, you'll learn everything from how to bet on boxing to an overview of the most popular betting markets and tips for getting the most out of your bets. 🏆 Our top 10 sites for boxing betting 🥊 Review of the best boxing betting sites in the UK bet365 bet365 is a proud British company with nearly 25 years of industry experience and some of the biggest sports betting market selections you'll find anywhere. Combine that with industry-leading real-time betting features and incredible in-play streaming coverage, plus fast and secure transactions, and it's easy to see why this bookie became so popular. Boxing fans will be spoiled with over 30 betting markets to choose from, split by categories such as Main (To Win Fight, Method of Victory, Fight to go the Distance etc.), Round (Round Betting, Total Round etc.), Punch (Fighter/Combined Punches Thrown/Landed, etc.) and Knockdown (To Score a Knockdown, Total Knockdowns, etc.) Coral Coral is a household name for every British punter. Among the many great features of its online sportsbook, our favourite is #YourCall - the ability to combine several unrelated betting markets into a unified bet with unique odds. Simply log into your account, tweet @Coral with your requested bet using #YourCall, and you'll get given odds + be featured on Coral's #YourCall – Featured page, where others can see and try out your bet. While not featuring as many boxing markets as, say, bet365, you can still bet on all the classics, such as To Win Fight, Method of Victory, Round Betting, and Fight to go the Distance. BetMGM BetMGM already had legendary status across the pond when it launched its casino & sportsbook offer to UK players in August of 2023. In the short time since, both have made waves on the UK market, chiefly thanks to a mix of generous promotions for both new and existing players and some unique features you won't find at other bookies, such as Lion's Boosts enhanced odds and Edit My Bet, the ability to add, swap, or remove selections or increase stakes mid-bet on select sporting events. Boxing markets will depend on the match, but you'll typically find To Win Fight and various Round Betting options on every fight. Betfred Betfred is famous for its unmatched football betting offer, but there's a lot to like when betting on sports like boxing, too. Betfred loves acca bets, and while Acca Flex insurance only works for football, you can still combine several boxing betting markets on one slip to create some pretty interesting selections. Betfred also features over 20 markets, letting you bet on all sorts of outcomes from Bout and Match Winner to Method of Victory and Fight to go the Distance. There are even Price Boosts on specific conditions each match, such as one fighter getting knocked down two or more times or throwing 350 or more punches. talkSPORT BET While it's only been around since 2022, talkSPORT BET has done a lot to stand out in a crowded UK sports betting market. Our favourite feature is the BetBuilder, which lets you combine several markets for one match on one betting slip. You can bet not only on who the match winner will be, but also how many punches they will throw, and whether they'll achieve a knockout, and if all of the selections go through, walk away with a much bigger paycheck. Boxing fans have access to a variety of popular markets, such as To Win Fight, Method of Victory, and Total Rounds. Betano Although only in the UK since 2024, Betano has already made waves in the market. This bookie not only offers a solid selection of boxing markets (including all the classics such as To Win the Fight, Method of Victory, and various forms of Round Betting) but also some of the best boxing odds you'll find on the market. In addition, Betano has a truly innovative user interface, allowing you to make quick bets with just a few clicks while never leaving your stream, by just pulling up a sliding menu, and swiping up to confirm your bet. You can even combine bets, request custom selections, or use Lucky Dip to get randomised selections. SBK SBK is one of the more unique bookies on the UK market, and a great place to check out whether you're a new or seasoned punter. Our two favourite features are Price+ and Best Price. The former are special bets with industry-leading odds, on which SBK claims to forfeit the bookie margins, while the latter lets you compare event odds against some of the most popular bookies in the UK, such as bet365, William Hill, and Ladbrokes. There are 15+ boxing markets to bet on, including standard options like Match Winner and Over/Under bets, but also less common ones like Winner & Round Range. Tote Tote is a legendary pool betting website dating back to 1928. Rather than fixed odds, Tote uses the pool betting model, where payouts depend on the total pot and number of winners, which normally leads to both higher and lower payouts. Thankfully, the Tote Guarantee feature ensures the win price on bets is at least as high as the starting price, helping shield punters from lower payouts. Another great feature is Tote Multiples, which are accas where you get the best of SP or the Tote dividend, whichever is bigger. There are over 15 popular boxing markets available, including Match Winner, Total Rounds and 1x2 bets. Spreadex As you'd guess from the name, Spreadex is all about Spread Betting, offering a wide range of unique spread bets across all sports, including boxing. While you won't find as many standard fixed odds bets, every match will still have standard options like To Win the Fight and Total Rounds. In addition, you'll have access to a large variety of unique spread markets like Fight Minutes (guess how long the match will last on a given spread) and 50-25-10 Index on both boxers, with 50 being awarded for a (T)KO win, 25 for a points win, and 10 in case of a draw. CopyBet Another bookie with a name that gives away its key gimmick, CopyBet has made a reputation on the market for its unique copy betting feature. If you're new to betting or just want to try out some expert tipster predictions, the site allows you to automatically place bets copied from expert Tipsters by subscribing to them and selecting their bet selections. It's a win-win situation, with tipsters getting some profit for each subscriber, and inexperienced players getting access to winning selections. Boxing fans have access to numerous markets, including Money Line (match winner), Bout Betting, Total Rounds, and Will Fight Go The Distance. 🔍 How we picked the best bookmakers for boxing betting To determine the best boxing betting sites in the UK for 2025, we relied on the Sun Factor, our trusted editorial framework for evaluating all online bookmakers. This system helps us grade each boxing betting site based on numerous categories such as boxing coverage, quality of the odds offered, available payment methods and betting offers (including potential for free bets and live betting), and how easy it is to register and start placing bets on the site. ✅ Boxing coverage - A great boxing betting site needs diverse event coverage. This means offering markets not just for headline fights featuring the likes of Anthony Joshua or Tyson Fury, but also for lesser-known bouts, regional championships, and undercard events. We look for bookies that provide extensive fight coverage, including a variety of markets such as winner, round betting, and method of victory, and give extra points to those also offering streaming or detailed fight stats. ✅ Good odds - We carefully examined the odds offered across various boxing betting markets, from winner bets to more complex wagers like total rounds or KO victory. A few points difference in odds can dramatically impact your payouts, especially when placing large stakes or building accumulators. Some sportsbooks consistently offer more competitive boxing odds than others, including low margins or odds boosts, particularly on major fights, which gives players a decisive advantage worth highlighting. ✅ Free bets and betting offers - Strong promotions and free bets are a major draw for new and seasoned boxing bettors alike. We looked for betting sites that offer generous sign-up deals and recurring bonuses for punters, ideally tied to boxing events or at least markets. These can include a variety of perks, including matched deposits, risk-free bets, or even enhanced odds, to name a few. We favoured bookies with fair wagering requirements, no sneaky restrictions, and clearly stated terms and conditions. ✅ Easy registration - Top UK bookmakers make it easy to sign up and start betting, with minimal deposit requirements and a user-friendly interface. We tested each platform's registration process, evaluating the time to verify ID, connect a payment method, and place your first wager. Whether you're using a mobile app or desktop platform, you should be able to get up and running in just a few minutes. ✅ Live betting - The thrill of live betting on boxing can't be overstated. Fights shift dramatically round by round, so being able to wager in real-time on things like method of victory, knockouts, or points decisions adds major excitement and profit potential. Not all betting sites offer live boxing betting features, but the best ones do. We also chose betting platforms that provide in-play markets, and regularly updated boxing odds, and gave bonus points to those with live stats or match streaming options. ✅ Secure and accessible payments - Fast, secure, and flexible payment options are essential for a smooth betting experience. The best boxing betting sites support a wide range of deposit methods, including debit cards, bank transfers and trusted e-wallets like PayPal. We only selected bookmakers that provide clear and fair policies for both deposits and withdrawals, with minimal transfer delays and no hidden fees. 🥊 How to bet on a boxing fight Betting on a boxing match or bout is simple and modern boxing betting sites make the experience fast and user-friendly, whether you're betting on desktop or via a mobile app. Here's a step-by-step guide to placing bets on boxing matches: 1. Choose a reputable betting site Start by choosing a reputable UK bookmaker from a curated list of top-rated boxing betting sites like the one in our article. Look for bookies with strong boxing odds, a wide range of markets, and ongoing promotions. Any of the platforms reviewed by us or other bookies with established industry reputations such as Parimatch, Betfair, Ladbrokes, or Paddy Power are an excellent starting point. 2. Register and verify your account Begin the registration process by creating your account. It only takes a few minutes to sign up on most apps or online platforms. Make sure your details are correct so you can deposit and withdraw funds without delays. Some bookmakers will also ask you to set responsible gambling limits during this step. 3. Make your first deposit Fund your new betting account using a secure payment method such as PayPal, debit card, or bank transfer. Check the T&Cs for any deposit requirements needed to unlock free bets, bonuses, or welcome offers. Always make sure that your preferred payment method isn't excluded from the site's promotions, which is often the case with e-wallets such as Neteller and Skrill. 4. Claim your free bet or welcome bonus (optional) Most boxing betting sites have special customer offers or free bets related to their first deposit or wager. You might receive bonus bet credits, enhanced odds, or even a cashback deal, but make sure it applies to the boxing betting markets and not another sport on the site. Also, always read the wagering rules carefully and be aware of the time limits so you don't miss out on the potential rewards. 5. Browse boxing fights and betting markets Head to the boxing section of the sportsbook. Browse upcoming fights and look at various markets such as fight winner, method of victory, round betting, or even number of knockouts, and pick whatever seems most appealing or has the best odds. 6. Place your bet After reviewing the odds and picking your market, enter your stake and confirm the bet. Many platforms offer a bet slip preview showing your potential payout. You can also build accas such as betting on results of all of the daily matches or explore specific specials like 'Fighter A to win by KO in round X.' 7. Track the fight and enjoy the action Once your wager is placed, some betting sites offer streaming, live updates, or in-play markets. You can follow the fight in real time and even cash out if the platform supports early settlement options. 8. Collect your winnings If your bet wins, your account will be credited automatically. Depending on the site, payouts can be instant or take a few hours. Use fast withdrawal methods like PayPal for quicker cash access. Always review your bet history for full settlement details and make separate notes for each site, so you can keep track of your betting easier. 🎉 How to make the most of your free bets for boxing Free bets are one of the most valuable tools for boxing bettors, especially when used strategically. Most boxing betting sites in the UK offer free bet promotions for new customers, often triggered by a small qualifying deposit or minimum stake. However, it's important to read the T&Cs —many free bet offers are split across different sports, with only a portion eligible for use on boxing markets, as the majority is often allocated to football or horse racing. To get the most value, apply your free bet to high-odds selections like method of victory, round betting, or fight to go the distance markets, where the potential returns are greater. Look for bookmakers that let you combine boxing bets into accumulators or that offer bet builders specifically for major fights or events. Always check for payment method exclusions, and make sure you're using a reliable sportsbook with clear rules, strong coverage, and fair settlement terms. With the right strategy, free bets can boost your bankroll and increase your chances of landing a big payout, but remember not to base your entire strategy on them as they may be more restrictive than other bet types offered on the site. 📊 Popular boxing betting markets When betting on boxing, understanding the most popular markets can give you a major advantage. Whether you're placing your first wager or refining a seasoned strategy, the right betting markets help you get more value from each bet. Top UK bookmakers offer a wide selection of options across major bouts, allowing you to tailor your bet to each fighter or fight. Below are the most common and profitable boxing betting markets you'll encounter on the leading betting platforms in the UK. Winner/draw (Outright bets) The simplest and most popular type of boxing bet. You're betting on who will win the fight, or if it will end in a draw. It's the foundation for most sportsbook boxing lines and is available for nearly all events, whether it's high-profile matchups and undercard fights. Round betting A riskier but more rewarding market where you pick the exact round in which a fighter will win. Some betting sites offer grouped rounds (e.g. Rounds 4–6) or round range combinations, increasing flexibility but often lowering the potential returns. Over/Under (Total rounds) This market allows you to bet on whether a bout will end before or after a certain number of rounds. It's a favourite for punters who rely on fight predictions about the endurance of each boxer, but are also the source of many frustrations when an unexpected knockout happens early on, or a boxer manages to survive the first few rounds against an opponent famous for early knockouts. To go the distance This bet is about whether or not the fight will last the full number of rounds planned, regardless of who wins. Ideal for boxing bettors looking for steadier odds and lower volatility. It's a smart option for matchups where both fighters are technically sound, known for going the distance, and less prone to scoring or recieving early knockouts. Method of victory Predict how the winner will secure the victory: by knockout, technical knockout, decision, or disqualification. A great market for experienced bettors who study fighters' forms, styles, and know all about the historical outcomes of the matches both players have been in. That said, bookies also follow these carefully, so don't expect big payouts on the most likely outcomes, such as early knockouts by boxers famous for finishing matches within a couple of rounds. Knockdowns Speaking of knockouts, some bookies offer specials like ' Will either fighter be knocked down? ' or ' First knockdown ' or ' Total number of knockdowns. ' These markets can offer strong value, especially in fights involving aggressive punchers or mismatched fighters, but are very tricky to predict accurately. Punches As you'd expect, there are also a lot of possible bets regarding punches. Whether it's the total amount thrown or landed, or you're betting on the numbers by just one of the two fighters, this category can sometimes include incredibly specific bets, such as the total jabs thrown or body punches landed. Fight to end in a specific time frame Similar to round betting, but broader. For example: ' Fight to end in the first 3 rounds. ' These types of betting lines offer a mix of increased odds and some safety net, and are ideal when betting on big-punching fighters with high KO rates. Live/In-Play betting markets Available only during the fight, these dynamic markets adjust in real time based on the action in the ring. Examples include betting on the next round's winner or the next person to be knocked down in a match. These are excellent if you're watching the action live from online apps with real-time updates or live streaming options. Tote and spread bets Tote bets are simply a communal (pool) betting model, with payouts dependent on the total pot size and number of winners, so they can be both larger and smaller than expected. Spread betting, on the other hand, offers unique markets like Fight Minutes where there's a spread (say 18-22 minutes) on which you can try to guess the game length, with payouts depending on how close to your prediction you were. 💡 Boxing betting tips Successful boxing betting isn't just about picking the biggest matches, most tempting odds, or the hardest puncher to win. There's something to be said about spotting value, reading market trends, and understanding how different fighting styles, round dynamics, and event circumstances can shape the fight outcomes. Whether you're using a free bet to experiment, building an acca on the daily boxing matches at the Olympics, or doing something simpler such as placing a single high-stakes wager on a title fight, applying some thought and tactics to your bets can dramatically improve your long-term returns. The following five tips are designed to help UK bettors maximise their betting experience and odds of making a profit. 1. Analyse fighters' form and styles Always consider a boxer's form, recent matches, and how their fighting style matches up against their opponent. A slick defensive fighter may outlast a brawler, but a heavy hitter might only need one clean shot. Understanding styles and matchups also helps you pick the right market, whether it's round betting, method of victory, go the distance or something else entirely. 2. Watch weight class shifts and late replacements Fighters moving between weight classes, or stepping in as a short-notice replacement, can drastically affect the odds. These shifts often create valuable opportunities in the boxing markets, particularly in over/under rounds or outright winner bets. 3. Compare odds across multiple sites As with any sports betting out there, not all bookmakers price boxing bouts the same. A fighter priced at 6/4 on one platform might be listed at 7/4 elsewhere. Use this difference to your advantage by signing up with multiple boxing betting sites and locking in the best price for your bet selection. 4. Use promotions and free bets smartly Always check the T&Cs of your free bet and use it where you'll get the highest potential payout. This is usually with markets like KO/TKO, grouped rounds, or fight outcome combos. Many online sportsbooks' bonuses are fund or time-limited or at least partially allocated to football or horse racing markets, so use your boxing-eligible portion wisely if it's available. 5. Follow tipster advice and expert predictions Stay updated with expert tips, pre-fight predictions, and market shifts by following trusted tipsters. Their insight often reveals value markets or overlooked bets. Keep an eye on our regularly updated content for betting tips, fight analyses, and more ahead of major boxing events. ❓FAQ about boxing betting sites Here are some of the most frequently asked questions by boxing bettors online looking to get started or improve their results on the best UK boxing betting sites. From understanding boxing markets to choosing the right betting platform and more, we hope the answers to these questions will help you make better betting decisions. 1. Can you bet on professional and amateur boxing? Yes, most top betting sites offer markets for both professional and amateur bouts. While professional fights (especially those featuring big British names like Tyson Fury or Anthony Joshua) dominate the sportsbook listings, some platforms also feature Olympic qualifiers, local UK events, and international amateur competitions. Odds for amateur matches may not be as competitive, and market coverage is typically more limited, but there's still solid value if you do your research, and these may hide some hidden gems as bookies also tend to pay less attention to them. 2. Should I bet on the undercard? Yes, absolutely. Betting on the undercard can be a great way to find overlooked markets and better odds. These fights often receive less public attention, meaning bookies have less time to research them in detail, giving informed punters an edge. With the right tips and fighter predictions, undercard bouts can provide strong returns, especially in method of victory or round betting markets. Just be sure to read the T&Cs if you decide to hazard a free bet on one of these, as some promotions may only apply to main events. 3. What payment methods are accepted on boxing betting sites? Most UK betting sites accept a wide range of payment options, including PayPal, debit cards, bank transfers and adjacent methods like Trustly, and popular e-wallets like Neteller and Skrill. Always check for deposit requirements, limits, or payment method exclusions that could affect your eligibility for bonuses or free bets. For the smoothest and safest betting experience, use widely accepted options like debit cards, or e-wallets such as Apple Pay/Google Pay, especially when betting via mobile apps. 4. Is boxing betting available on mobile apps? Yes, all leading boxing betting sites in the UK offer fully optimised mobile apps for iOS and Android. These apps let you browse markets, view odds, claim offers, and place bets quickly, regardless of whether you're betting live during the fight or locking in your selection beforehand. Features like live streaming, mid-match cashouts, and bet builders are increasingly available on mobile devices, delivering a complete sportsbook experience from your phone. To make the most of your mobile betting, choose a platform from our list of the best betting apps, featuring top-rated options with strong app reviews, fast loading times, and simple registration processes. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: Read our guide on responsible gambling practices. For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
Tommy Fleetwood's brutal assessment of his own Travelers Championship performance
Tommy Fleetwood lost a three-shot lead in the final round of the Travelers Championship, ultimately missing a play-off opportunity. Fleetwood, who led by two shots with three holes remaining, bogeyed holes 16 and 18, including a crucial missed putt on the final hole. Keegan Bradley secured the Travelers Championship victory with a decisive birdie on the final hole. The result extends Fleetwood's record to 42 top-10 finishes on the PGA Tour since 1983 without a win, the most by any player. Fleetwood expressed frustration and anger over his performance but also indicated a commitment to learning from the experience. Tommy Fleetwood 'angry' after throwing away first career PGA Tour win on the last hole
The Independent
3 hours ago
- The Independent
How Jon Jones destroyed his legacy in pathetic end to UFC saga
This is how one of the 'great' fighting careers ends: at 2am in Azerbaijan, 11 minutes into a press conference, with UFC president Dana White only making the revelation when prompted by a journalist. Jon Jones is gone. Is it too strong to say 'good riddance'? Some might never back down from arguing that the American is the most fearsome fighter to have ever walked the planet. Jones is, after all, a former two-time light-heavyweight champion, was never beaten outside of an unfortunate disqualification, and boasts a ridiculous resume of wins over multiple greats: Daniel Cormier (twice), 'Shogun' Rua, 'Rampage' Jackson, Lyoto Machida, Rashad Evans, Vitor Belfort, Chael Sonnen, and Stipe Miocic – to name just some. Now 37, Jones became the youngest-ever UFC champion by collecting gold aged 23. Later, in the final stanza of a storied career, he claimed two-weight champion status, adding the heavyweight belt to his crammed cabinet in 2023. What a shame, then, that Jones actively undermined all of his achievements at every possible opportunity. We can and will start with the failed drug tests. There are four: three for performance-enhancing substances (PEDs), one for a recreational drug. The latter incident on that list was the first chronologically, as 'Bones' tested positive for cocaine in 2014; disappointing, yes, but not a mistake that impacted his first win over Cormier. The slew of ensuing indiscretions, however, tainted Jones's fighting legacy permanently. His first failed test relating to PEDs, in 2016, thwarted his rematch with Cormier, the planned main event of the historic UFC 200. And when Jones finally returned from the resulting one-year ban, knocking out Cormier, his desired redemption was undone by another failed drug test. Jones's victory was overturned, and he was stripped of the 205lb title – not for the first time, but more on that later. Jones's final failed drug test occurred in 2018, yet the UFC remarkably bent over backwards for their disgraced star; the promotion moved Jones's long-awaited rematch with Alexander Gustafsson – and its entire undercard – from Las Vegas to Los Angeles so Jones could be licensed to fight. Jones went on to stop Gustafsson, regaining the light-heavyweight belt in the process. With that, he silenced detractors who believed that Gustafsson had won their first clash in 2013, yet further controversial scorecards were floating in Jones's future. His penultimate fight at 205lb saw him arguably get lucky as he outpointed Thiago Santos, while there is little argument to be made around his final bout in the division; in the eyes of everyone but three judges who had a bad night at work, Dominick Reyes beat Jones in February 2020, on the cusp of Covid's crippling diffusion around the globe. Jones soon gave up the 205lb title to finally move up to heavyweight, a venture he had vowed to embark upon for years – and one that would take three years to come to fruition, coincidentally as the most frightening heavyweight of all time, Francis Ngannou, wrecked the division. Jones's heavyweight debut finally took place in March 2023, conveniently following Ngannou's UFC exit by two months, but there's more we need to discuss before we get to that chapter of this story. Because while Jones's light-heavyweight era ended with him giving up the belt, and while his heavyweight stint ended in the same way, he was previously stripped of a UFC title three times: before and after the Cormier rematch, due to those failed drug tests; and in 2015, due to a major legal matter. In fact, the matter in question admittedly renders his status as a champion largely irrelevant. Jones was charged with fleeing the scene of a hit and run, in which he injured a pregnant woman. Jones's title was taken, he was suspended by the UFC, and the courts sentenced him to 18 months' supervised probation. In another notable episode, in 2021, Jones was charged with domestic battery and tampering with a police vehicle, after his fiancee was found bloodied in a hotel room shared by the pair, with the fighter's youngest daughter having called the authorities. Jones allegedly attempted to flee the scene, before headbutting a police car once he was detained. It must be stressed that the domestic-battery charge was dropped, while Jones pleaded No Contest to tampering with a police vehicle and accepted a fine and an anger-management order. Jones denied the domestic-battery charge, but in the aftermath, he vowed to give up alcohol, saying: 'I have way too much trauma to consume alcohol, my brain simply can't handle it anymore. I will leave alcohol in my past forever.' Jones has been filmed drinking alcohol since, most recently on the week of his retirement. Other legal issues include: a 2012 charge for driving under the influence (DWI), to which Jones pleaded guilty; a 2019 battery charge, to which Jones pleaded No Contest after being accused of choking a waitress; a combined 2020 charge of aggravated DWI, negligent use of a firearm, possession of an open container, and driving with no proof of insurance – with Jones pleading guilty to the DWI charge as part of a plea deal, which saw the other charges dropped; and a 2024 incident in which a drug-testing agent accused the 37-year-old of assaulting and threatening to kill her, with Jones pleading not guilty but accepting another anger-management order. It is also worth noting that Jones secured a Nike sponsorship in 2012, an unprecedented example of business success for an MMA fighter at the time, before being dropped by the sports-clothing brand in 2015 after his hit-and-run. Considering all of the above, his latest saga feels rather inconsequential, yet it has dominated conversations among the MMA fanbase for almost two years. Throughout that period, which ended this week, Jones refused to fight Tom Aspinall, despite the Briton holding the interim heavyweight belt. To be exact, Aspinall held his version of the title for 74 per cent of Jones's reign as 'undisputed' champion. When Jones sustained an injury in late 2023, six months after winning the regular title, his first planned defence was postponed, ultimately by a year. Within weeks of Jones's injury, Aspinall extended his remarkable stoppage-win streak to collect the interim strap, while he extended that streak further to retain his belt in July 2024. Defending an interim title in the UFC is an extremely rare move, yet Aspinall did it gladly and with unequivocal success. So, after Jones returned in November 2024 to stop a 42-year-old, inactive and hurt Miocic, a fight between the American and Aspinall, 32, was the natural next move. Yet Jones not only refused to face Aspinall, he also refused to retire until this week, meaning a significant portion of Aspinall's prime was wasted waiting for a fight that he had earned. White has now said Jones actually did accept the fight, after MMA insider Ariel Helwani reported that the UFC offered Bones the eye-watering sum he sought, only for Jones to renege. Many fans and pundits saw Jones's behaviour over the past two years as exactly what they had come to expect from him: selfish and ignoble. With that in mind – with all of the above in mind – Jones deserved for his retirement to be announced offhandedly, in Baku, at 2am, midway through a press conference entirely unrelated to him. The idea that Jones deserved a grander send-off, as an end to a glorious career, is misguided. Because the idea that his career was glorious is misguided, too. Jones did not destroy his legacy by avoiding Aspinall; he destroyed his legacy every single step of the way.
