Jon Jones Vacates Light Heavyweight Championship: 'It's Been an Amazing Journey'

Jones: "I’m vacating the light heavyweight championship. It’s officially up for grabs. It’s been an amazing journey."

Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Jon Jones announced his decision to vacate the UFC light heavyweight title on Monday. 

"Today I confirm that I'm vacating the light heavyweight championship," Jones tweeted. "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 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

Jones will not be leaving UFC after defeating Dominick Reyes in UFC 247 in February. Jones said on Monday night he will continue his UFC career as a heavyweight. 

"Sounds like there will be negotiations for my next fight at heavyweight," Jones tweeted. All good news, the weight gaining process begins."

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.

— BONY (@JonnyBones) August 17, 2020

Jones sports a 26–1 career record, with one no contest after fighting Daniel Cormier in UFC 214. He has not lost a fight in over a decade since falling to Matt Hamill in The Ultimate Fighter 10 finale in 2009.