Jon Jones has made the decision to officially give up his UFC light heavyweight title.
UFC President Dana White said last week that the company had been in communication with Jones (25-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC) about his plans for the 205-pound belt after mounting frustration between the two sides in ‘ the past few months.
Apparently, a productive conversation took place on Monday, after which Jones announced that he had reached the conclusion to relinquish the title.
“Just got off the phone with @ufc, today I confirm that I’m leaving the lightweight championship,” Jones wrote on Twitter. ‘It’s officially on visit. It’s been a great trip, sincere thanks to all my competition, UFC and most importantly your fans. ”
Jones competed most at UFC 247 in February when he got a somewhat controversial decision win over Dominick Reyes. There was talk of a rematch, but then Jones jumped talks about a move to heavyweight to fight Francis Ngannou.
That’s what led to the tension between Jones and the UFC brass. He believed he was earning more money to go to a weight class, but White said he was not sitting on the issue. Jones would later say he would return from fighting unless progress was made.
After supporting Miocic’s heavyweight title defense against Daniel Cormier on Saturday, Jones rekindled interest in a raise, this time to challenge the champion.
Heavyweight seems to be Jones’ plan for The Future if he can get on the same page as the UFC. However, that does not seem to be the case now.
“The last time I talked to @UFC about my salary there was no negotiation,” Jones said wrote. ‘If that ever changes, I would love to go back and compete as a heavyweight. Until then, I will enjoy UFC has a fan and do my best to take care of my family and community. ”
Jones, 33, is No. 1 in the latest USA TODAY Sports / MMA Junkie lightweight heavyweight rankings. His 14 wins in UFC title fights are the most in corporate history.
.
