UFC: Jon Jones vacates title but reveals negotiations for heavyweight move
- ‘It’s officially up for grabs. It’s been an amazing journey,’ Jones writes, with Dominick Reyes seemingly set to fight Jan Blachowicz for vacant belt
- ‘Bones’ reveals ‘positive conversation’ with UFC over finally moving up to heavyweight division – ‘the weight-gaining process begins’
Jon Jones has officially vacated the UFC light heavyweight title, but hinted he could return to the Octagon at heavyweight.
“Bones” (26-1, one no contest) has not fought since a controversial unanimous decision win over Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in February. UFC president Dana White revealed last weekend the 33-year-old American would have to take on Reyes in a rematch if he was staying at 205 pounds.
The former two-time champion threw his name in the hat to face Stipe Miocic after the heavyweight champion settled his trilogy with Daniel Cormier at UFC 252 on Saturday night, and Reyes (12-1) will reportedly fight Jan Blachowicz (26-8) for the vacant light heavyweight belt at UFC 253 next month.
“Just got off the phone with @ufc, today,” Jones wrote in a series of tweets on Monday night. “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.
“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.
“In good faith I will be staying in the testing pool for probably the next half year or so. I’ll continue to lift weights and train all the different martial arts.”