Jon Jones Says He’s Dropped LHW Belt, Moving to HW

Jon Jones has talked about fighting at heavyweight for years, and now it looks like “Bones” is set to make that move. So much so, the renowned fighter has announced he’s vacating the UFC’s light heavyweight title.

Jones says he’s dropped light heavyweight title, talks underway for HW debut

For years, Jones has talked about fighting at heavyweight at some juncture, and more specifically, for the the division’s title. That’s because Jones has yet to incur a legitimate loss at light heavyweight, and he’s the consensus, greatest 205’er of all time.

Well, this past year, Jones has repeated his desire to compete at heavyweight. He also hasn’t sounded too interested in the current, light heavyweight title shot picture.

Jones drove for a fight with heavyweight contender Francis Ngannou a couple of months ago. But, a contract dispute ensued, and it wasn’t clear when Jones would fight again.

This past weekend, however, Jones let it be known he’s keen to fight once more, but at heavyweight. Following Stipe Miocic’s win over Daniel Cormier at UFC 252, Jones repeated his desire to face the heavyweight champ.

Then, on Monday, Jones made headlines with the following tweets:

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.

Just had a really positive conversation with @Ufc. Sounds like there will be negotiations for my next fight at heavy weight. All good news, the weight gaining process begins.

Reaction?

So, this news shouldn’t come as a complete shocker, given what Jones has said in the past about fighting at heavyweight. In addition, this past year, he hasn’t sounded too pumped about defending the light heavyweight belt anymore.

But, given that Dana White has said Ngannou is next for Miocic, what does this mean for Jones? Will he fight a heavyweight contender first?

Or, is he going to be tapped for a title fight right out of the gate at heavyweight? And face the winner of Miocic – Ngannou 2?