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Jon Jones Finally Explains Why He Vacated UFC Light-Heavyweight Title

Jon Jones Finally Explains Why He Vacated UFC Light-Heavyweight Title

Jones relinquished his UFC light-heavyweight title as he targets the heavyweight division.

Nasir Jabbar

Nasir Jabbar

Jon Jones has finally revealed why he vacated his UFC light-heavyweight as he eyes the UFC heavyweight division.

Jones, 33, relinquished his UFC belt and announced his move to the heavyweight division in a series of tweets last week.

The former 205lbs champion has now taken to social media to explain the reasons behind giving up his gold strap.

Image: PA
Image: PA

On Twitter, he wrote: "I vacated the light heavyweight championship because I knew my heavyweight goals were going to take some time.

"I wasn't going to play games with the contenders and make people fight interim championship belts. There's little rest on the throne."

Jones' last light-heavyweight title defence came against Dominick Reyes who'll face Jan Blachowicz for the vacant title at UFC 253.

'Bones' hasn't fought since that controversial victory in February.

Image: PA
Image: PA

But UFC president Dana White plans to give him an immediate title shot upon his Octagon return.

And current UFC heavyweight title holder Stipe Miocic believes it's a different ball game when dealing with the big boys.

Speaking to ESPN, he said: "Listen, it's big boys and they've got small gloves on. It just takes one.

"I don't care if you hit hard or not, you can still get caught. I don't care who you are.

"He's got great technique. That's definitely gonna help him. He's very fluid in what he does. He's got a great, strategic plan to how he."

Image: PA
Image: PA

Miocic beat Daniel Cormier earlier this month to settle their rivalry.

He's set to face top contender Francis Ngannou next with a super-fight against Jones on the cards for 2021.

Featured Image Credit: PA/Instagram

Topics: Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, UFC News, Fight News, UFC, MMA

Nasir Jabbar is a journalist at SPORTbible. He graduated from Bath Spa University with a BA in Media Communications. He's a combat sport aficionado, and has contributed to MMA websites AddictedMMA and CagePotato. Nasir has covered some of the biggest fights, while interviewing the likes of Conor McGregor, Darren Till, Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua. He's also an avid Bristol City fan.

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