One of the most prominent champions in the UFC seems to be stepping away from his title.
Jon Jones, the long-standing UFC light heavyweight champion, took to Twitter on Sunday and announced his intention to give up the belt and take a break from fighting.
“On the light heavyweight title Veni, vidi, vici,” Jones tweeted, followed by another post stating, “Bones out.”
Dana White, the UFC president, reacted to Jones’ announcement about relinquishing the title. White shared his thoughts with the Vancouver Courier:
“Jon Jones is one of the greatest fighters in the sport,” White expressed. “The decision about his career is his to make. The truth is that he has earned enough money from fighting that he could retire and never have to work again.”
Jones mentioned that he doesn’t see much benefit in facing top light heavyweight contenders Dominick Reyes or Jan Blachowicz and suggested they fight for the now vacant title.
During the UFC Las Vegas postfight news conference, White addressed Jones’ choices stating, “He is free to make his decisions, whether to take a break or return to the octagon. He has the right to express his thoughts publicly. Whenever he is ready to return, he has the option to do so.”
Jones also accused White of tarnishing his reputation in one of his tweets. To this, White responded, “Tarnishing your name? You have done an excellent job of tarnishing it yourself.”
