Jon Jones is no longer the UFC light heavyweight champion.
Jones, who has dominated the weight class of 205-pounds since his arrival to the UFC, announced today he was handing the belt to the UFC and would no longer look to defend it as champion. He apparently plans to walk away from the sport until the UFC agrees to an increase in pay.
“Just got off the phone with UFC, today I confirm that I’m vacating the light heavyweight championship,” Jones wrote. “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. 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.”
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
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
In good faith I will be staying in the testing pool for probably the next half year or so. I’ll continue to lift weights and train all the different martial arts
— BONY (@JonnyBones) August 17, 2020
Jones has made it clear recently he was interested in a move to heavyweight — something he’s long-teased — but only if the UFC would increase his dfee. Up until now, UFC president Dana White has publicly stated he wouldn’t be willing to meet Jones’ demands, but that he was waiting to hear back from his champion about the next contest.
It seems the two were unable to come to terms.
