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Jon Jones vacates UFC Light Heavyweight championship

Jon Jones vacates UFC Light Heavyweight championship

Author: Daniel Feliciano | Monday 17th August 2020

Jon Jones vacates UFC Light Heavyweight championship Photograph

Jon Jones has vacated the UFC Light Heavyweight championship, he revealed on Twitter.

Jones, 33, was the reigning champion in the 205lbs division having held the title on three different occasions since initially winning it back in 2011. He became the youngest champion in UFC history when he beat Mauricio Rua aged just 24.

'Bones' has been in dispute with the company about his pay for several months now, claiming he had no desire to fight again until he was paid what he felt he was worth. Despite that, just this weekend Jones hinted at a move to heavyweight being close as he tweeted about a potential fight with Stipe Miocic.

However, on Monday night, Jones tweeted from his personal Twitter account that after discussion with the UFC he would be vacating his title and continuing as a fan until progress was made on his new contract. He said;

"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.

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."

With Jones' division now up for grabs, the UFC are reportedly looking to match up Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz at UFC 253 on September 26th for the vacant title although that isn't official yet.

Jones offered some hope that he would return though, stating that he would continue to remain in the USADA testing pool in the hope something can be sorted. This means that should a compromise be met between the two parties, Jones would be able to fight immediately. Should he leave the testing pool at any point, he would need to undergo at least six months of testing before being eligible to fight again under USADA rules.