Jon Jones made the decision to officially give up his UFC light heavyweight title.
UFC President Dana White said last week the company spoke to Jones (25-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC) about its plans for the £ 205 belt after frustration between the two sides over the past few months had increased.
Apparently there was a productive conversation going on Monday, after which Jones announced that he had decided to vacate the title.
“I just spoke to @ufc on the phone and today I confirm that I am clearing the light heavyweight championship,” Jones continued Twitter. “It is officially up for grabs. It’s been an amazing journey, thank you very much to all of my competitors, UFC and especially to you fans. “
Jones last competed at UFC 247 in February when he scored a somewhat controversial decision win over Dominick Reyes. There was talk of a rematch, but then Jones sparked a conversation about switching to heavyweight to fight Francis Ngannou.
That created tension between Jones and the UFC brass. He thought he made more money moving up a weight class, but White said he wouldn’t budge on the matter. Jones would later say he would retire from the fight if no progress was made.
After Stipe Miocic’s heavyweight title defense against Daniel Cormier on Saturday, Jones again showed interest in promotion, this time to challenge the champion.
Heavyweight seems to be Jones’s plan for the future if he can get on the same side as the UFC. As of now, however, this does not appear to be the case.
“The last time I spoke to @UFC about my salary there was no negotiation,” said Jones wrote. “If that ever changes, I would love to come back and compete as a heavyweight again. Until then, I’ll enjoy that UFC has a fan and is doing my best to provide for my family and community. “
Jones, 33, is # 1 in the latest USA TODAY Sports / MMA Junkie light heavyweight ranking. His 14 victories in UFC championships are the greatest in the company’s history.
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