Jon Jones took to social media to let the world know he no longer is the UFC light heavyweight champion.
“Bones” vacated his title to enter the UFC heavyweight ranks, which he previously had been in heated negotiations for with the UFC.
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
However, it appears that the smoke has cleared and the two sides are working on an agreement that will allow the Upstate, New York phenom to advance to the bigger weight class.
“It’s officially up for grabs,” Jones wrote of the UFC light heavyweight title. “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
Later he tweeted:
“Just had a really positive conversation with @Ufc,” Jones wrote. “Sounds like there will be negotiations for my next fight at heavy weight. All good news, the weight gaining process begins.”
Holy cheeseburgers, let the fantasy matchup possibilities begin as Jones (26-1, 1 NC) is a dream come true for an already stacked new roster of heavyweight standouts.
However, to many there was still some unfinished business for Jones at light heavyweight. Mainly, a Dominick Reyes rematch.
During his last outing at UFC 247 in February, he earned a controversial decision win over Dominick Reyes who many believed won the fight. Although there was talk of a rematch, Jones pivoted by moving the conversation towards a heavyweight fight against Cameroonian sensation, Francis Ngannou.
Most likely a mix of money and a bigger challenge, Jones hasn’t seemed to want to tussle with Reyes again which leaves the belt now up for grabs potentially for Reyes.
Damn, that’s how y’all feel? ☺️ https://t.co/IHfXw0pkjc
— BONY (@JonnyBones) August 18, 2020
Reyes even has more motivation as Jones issued a $100,000 challenge to any light heavyweight who can defend the title successfully six times. Jones stated he would donate the 100 bands to the charity of the fighter’s choosing.
First light heavyweight to win six championships in a row I’ll pay $100,000 to whatever charity of their liking. I’ll be waiting
— BONY (@JonnyBones) August 17, 2020
Since 2011, Jones has basically controlled the UFC light heavyweight division.
His list of stats are impressive at 205 lbs where he became the youngest fighter to win a UFC title when winning the strap at 23 years old.
That was 10 years ago, folks. Now at 33, he has the most consecutive light heavyweight title bouts in UFC history at 14 and the most light heavyweight title defenses in UFC history at 11.
To many, Jon Jones is the greatest fighter in MMA history ad he is still active.
He has the longest unbeaten streak in UFC history at 18, with his only loss coming in 2009 via disqualification against Matt Hamill when he was still young in his career.
Jones’ 11 total title defenses tie him with former UFC flyweight champ, Demetrious Johnson for the most title defenses in UFC history.
Had USADA stop by already this morning 👋🏽
— BONY (@JonnyBones) August 18, 2020
Jones shed some light on his status with the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). He will be in the drug-testing pool “for probably the next half year or so,” according to Jones.
With Stipe Miocic as the man on top of the heavyweight division, who will probably face Francis Ngannou next, the only question is will Jones be given an immediate title shot or a refresher fight to test his mettle in the heavier weight class?
The UFC is continuing to deliver the what if scenarios that will keep fans tuned in.
