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Report: Jon Jones Vacates UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, Suggests Extended Break From MMA

Mandatory Credit: Sean M. Haffey

Jon 'Bones' Jones, has confirmed his decision to vacate his UFC light heavyweight championship, after a discussion with the promotion on this Monday night. Jones' decision to vacate the throne follows recent news of a light heavyweight matchup between his former opponent, Dominick Reyes, and streaking contender, Jan Błachowicz in the works for September 26th. at UFC 253 - with a title potentially up for grabs for the victor.

Taking to his official Twitter account tonight, the Rochester look-see-do fighter announced his vacating of the championship - before later implying he intends to retire from active competition, amid ongoing fruitless negotiations with the organization.

"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."


In a later tweet, Jones noted his recent public negotiation with the promotion, ahead of a potential heavyweight bow opposite one-time title challenger, Francis 'The Predator' Ngannou - which ultimately proved a sticking point for the two. The Jackson-Wink MMA mainstay wrote of his intentions to test heavyweight waters in the future, however.

"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 (sic) a fan and doing my best to take care of my family and community."


In another post, the two-time light heavyweight titleholder wrote of his intentions to remain in the USADA testing pool, "in good faith" - as well as maintaining a training regime.

"In good faith I will be staying in the testing pool for probably the next year or so. I'll continue to lift weights and train all the different martial arts."


Jones, 33, last featured at UFC 247 in February, opposite the aforenoted, Reyes. In a highly contentious decision victory, Jones scored the third defence of his second title run, with a 48-47 (x2), and a 49-46 unanimous judging triumph.
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