Jon Jones has been at the forefront of the UFC fighter pay debate for a while. He claimed that he would even walk away for good or spend a few years on the sidelines. After tweeting that he would vacate the belt, the promotion still recognized him as the champion. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case anymore.
The longtime 205-pound king took to Twitter and confirmed that he relinquished the strap.
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He wrote, “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.”
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 had two official reins as the light heavyweight champion and cleaned out the division. It will upset fans to hear this decision. Now, current top-ranked light heavyweight Dominick Reyes will fight Jan Blachowicz with UFC 253 being targeted for the match.
However, Jones’ fans can heave a sigh of relief as the Albuquerque fighter is just relinquishing his belt and not walking away from the UFC.
Jon Jones set to make Heavyweight bow
Jones was quick to allay fears that he is retiring from the sport despite indicating the same in his series of tweets. He let followers know that he would stay in the testing pool and continue to train the martial arts.
‘Bones‘ also tweeted, “Just had a really positive conversation with (UFC). Sounds like there will be negotiations for my next fight at heavy weight. All good news, the weight gaining process begins.”
Just had a really positive conversation with @Ufc. Sounds like there will be negotiations for my next fight at heavy weight. All good news, the weight gaining process begins.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) August 17, 2020
Jon Jones, like Jorge Masvidal, has gotten what he wants. A move to heavyweight will provide Jon Jones with fresh opponents and new challenges.
Read: “Very Soon!”- Jon Jones Hints at Massive Return to UFC
The UFC’s top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter called out Francis Ngannou and teased a mega clash with the Cameroonian Knockout artist. Furthermore, following UFC 252, he analyzed champion Stipe Miocic and let the world know how he sees a fight between the two play out.
A clash featuring ‘Bones’ against any heavyweight will excite the MMA fans. The fighter is taking the move seriously and will start a weight gain process.
Read: “Send The Deal!”- Jon Jones Responds to Francis Ngannou
It will be interesting to see what Jones considers his best weight to fight. Also, he could prove to be even more dangerous without having to undergo a weight cut in the buildup to a fight.
What do you make of Jon Jones’ decision to vacate the Light Heavyweight Championship and not attempt to be a dual champion?
