Jon Jones Vacates Light Heavyweight Title

After holding the UFC light heavyweight title on and off for almost ten years, Jon Jones publicly decided to vacate it.

“Just got off the phone with @UFC, today I confirm that I’m vacating the heavyweight championship. It’s officially up for grabs,” Jones tweeted. He added, “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

In a following tweet Jones confirmed that if the UFC considered negotiating his salary, he would be interested in competing 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,” he said.

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

After the big announcement, the two-time Light Heavyweight Champion posted another one offering $100,000 for charity to the first light heavyweight able to win six championships in a row. “I’ll be waiting,” he declared. “Was going to challenge a light heavyweight to beat my world championship record but we all know that’s probably not happening in this lifetime,” he tweeted in a subsequent message.

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

Dominick Reyes, who is currently UFC’s number one light heavyweight fighter, responded to Jones’ relinquishment statement with a simple “I’ll catch you later JB” on Twitter. Reyes and Jones fought on February 8, with Jones winning by unanimous decision.

This is Jon Jones’ most recent MMA fight to date.