Jon Jones Explains Why He Vacated the Title

In a recent tweet,  Jon Jones explained the thought process behind his decision to move up a weight class and vacate his light heavyweight title.

On Monday, Jon Jones announced that he will vacate his light heavyweight title. “Bones” will now focus on the heavyweight division and pursue that title.

As a result, Dominick Reyes will fight Jan Blachowicz in September to determine Jones’ successor. Meanwhile, Jones said he will take his time and make sure he gets the fight he deserves.

Jones took to Twitter to justify his decision. 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.”

Who will be Jon Jones’ first challenge at heavyweight?

Jones, as of now, is looking at two probable opponents when he makes his debut at heavyweight. He might take on Francis Ngannou, or he might fight the current heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic for the belt.

This isn’t an audacious move. Because if you look at it, Jones is practically undefeated in the past 11 years. His last loss came in 2009, and his doping violations have come in the way a few times as well. He has defended his light heavyweight title eleven times, the most recent being in 2020 against Dominick Reyes.

With Stipe looking for a new challenge after his win over Daniel Cormier, Jones might be an ideal match. Who do you think will be Jon Jones’ inaugural fight in the heavyweight division?

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