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Jon Jones announces he has officially vacated UFC light heavyweight title


Jones is no longer a UFC champion (Picture: Getty)

Jon Jones has officially vacated his light heavyweight title and revealed he was optimistic the UFC would meet his demands to move up to heavyweight.

The American last fought February and has publicly hit out at the UFC and Dana White for how much he and other fighters are paid.

Jones was the undisputed No.1 in the division, but had teased a move up to heavyweight to fight for the title and take on the likes of Francis Ngannou.

But the UFC dismissed Jones’ claim he should be compensated for a move up in weight and there was been a stalemate ever since.

With the division at a standstill, Jones took to Twitter to confirm he had officially given up his title.

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 UFC are currently negotiating a deal for former title contenders Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz to fight at UFC 253 and that contest could now be for the vacant title.

Reyes reacted to Jones’ news on social media, saying simply: ‘I’ll catch you later JB.’

Fans flooded Jones with questions about his future in fighting and the 33-year-old confirmed he was willing to move up to heavyweight, but only on one condition.

‘The last I spoke with UFC about my salary there was no negotiating,’ Jones explained.

‘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.

He added: ‘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.’

Jones then tweeted again, revealing the UFC had suggested a pay rise was possible.

‘Just had a really positive conversation with UFC,’ he said. ‘Sounds like there will be negotiations for my next fight at heavyweight.

‘All good news, the weight gaining process begins.’

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