Jon Jones vacates UFC title, says “It’s up for grabs”
Jon Jones is relinquishing his UFC light-heavyweight title.
The decision came after the 33-year-old discussed the future of the division with the UFC. Jones made the announcement on Twitter, Monday, Aug. 17.
“Just got off the phone with @ufc, today I confirm that I’m vacating the light heavyweight championship,” Jones said on Twitter. “It’s officially up for grabs. It’s been an amazing journey, sincere thank you to all my competition, UFC and most importantly you fans.”
Just got off the phone with @Ufc, today I confirm that I’m vacating the light heavyweight championship. It’s officially up for grabs. It’s been an amazing journey, sincere thank you to all my competition, Ufc and most importantly you fans.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) August 17, 2020
Jones recently entered the conversation of a potential move to heavyweight to fight Francis Ngannou. The New York native could not come to a decision with the company, stating he thought he deserved more money to move up a weight class.
Jones was quite active on social media during Stipe Miocic’s title defense against Daniel Cormier at UFC 252 on Saturday, Aug 15. Jones even took aim at the champion.
“Heavyweight world championships I will be seeing you real soon. Victorious,” Jones said, on Twitter. “Avoid Stipe’s right hand, I’m too fast, I’ll be too strong when the time is right and have way too much energy. Soon and very soon I’ll be considered the baddest man on this planet.”
Heavyweight world championships I will be seeing you real soon. Victorious
— BONY (@JonnyBones) August 16, 2020
Avoid Stipe’s right hand, I’m too fast, I’ll be too strong when the time is right and have way too much energy. Soon and very soon I’ll be considered the baddest man on this planet
— BONY (@JonnyBones) August 16, 2020
Jon Jones still shows interests in heavyweight
He most recently defended his belt in a somewhat controversial decision victory against Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 on Feb. 8. Jones defended the UFC strap 12 times throughout his career.
Jones became the UFC’s youngest champion in history at 23 years old, defeating Mauricio “Shogun” Rua via third-round TKO at UFC 128 in March 2011.
He is still showing interest in the heavyweight division, but those plans will be on hold for now.
Jones said on Twitter, “The last I spoke with @UFC about my salary there was no negotiating. If that ever changes, I’d love to come back and compete again as a heavyweight. Until then, I’ll be enjoying UFC as a fan and doing my best to take care of my family and community.”
The last I spoke with @UFC about my salary there was no negotiating. If that ever changes, i’d love to come back and compete again as a heavyweight. Until then, I’ll be enjoying Ufc has a fan and doing my best to take care of my family and community https://t.co/NoTTpRTMH0
— BONY (@JonnyBones) August 17, 2020
