Jon Jones vacates UFC light heavyweight title, eyes move up to heavyweight

Jon Jones has officially vacated his UFC light heavyweight world title as he eyes to move up in the heavyweight division.

Jones, 33, had previously threatened to vacate the gold-plated strap amid a public dispute with the UFC over purse and a potential fight with Francis Ngannou earlier this year.

“Just got off the phone with @Ufc, today I confirm that I’m vacating the light heavyweight championship. It’s officially up for grabs,” Jones wrote on Twitter.

“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 has been touted as the greatest light heavyweight fighter ever in mixed martial arts but has expressed his desire to move up in weight as he sees no competition in the division anymore.

He was glued to the fight between UFC heavyweight world champion Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier at UFC 252 last weekend and has reiterated his desire to move up in weight class.

It is no secret that Jones has his sights on the heavyweight title, but according to UFC president Dana White, Ngannou is the next contender for the belt.

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

Jones also revealed that he recently had a fruitful conversation with the organization as it seems like his move is all but signed.

“Just had a really positive conversation with @Ufc,” he said

“Sounds like there will be negotiations for my next fight at heavy weight. All good news, the weight gaining process begins.” – JM Siasat/RC, GMA News