Bones out, Jon Jones says he’ll vacate UFC title

Jon Jones says he’s no longer the UFC light heavyweight champion while his ongoing feud with company president Dana White continues to get more tense.

Jones seemingly hit a boiling point following comments from White at Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 9 post-fight news conference. The two sides have been going back-and-forth in recent days, with the entire situation stemming from “Bones” looking for what White said was a boost in payment to move to heavyweight and fight Francis Ngannou.

White refused to improve Jones’ contract, and pointed to Jones’ history of outside-the-cage issues as something that’s hurt his star power in the sport. Jones didn’t take kindly to that, and again claimed White is lying to the public. He asked to be let go from his UFC contract.

Jones drew a line in the sand Sunday and stated on social media that he’s giving up his 205-pound title and taking a hiatus from competition until the UFC pays him his value. Moreover, he suggested Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz should fight for his belt

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The UFC has yet to acknowledge Jones’ comments and intent to relinquish the belt. A request for comment from a company official by MMA Junkie did not receive an immediate response.

For Jones, the issue seems to boil down to money and respect. He’s already asked to be let out of his contract twice if he can’t receive more payment, and appears to be frustrated with his treatment.

White has constantly claimed that Jones is the greatest MMA fighter of all time, while adding he believes Jones could have accomplished much more were it not for his issues outside of the cage. Jones has only one UFC loss, by disqualification in 2009. Jones became the youngest champion in UFC history when he won the light heavyweight in 2011 at age 23. He has the most championship victories in UFC history (14) and is on the longest undefeated streak in UFC history (18 fights).

On Saturday, White said he is ready for Jones to defend his 205-pound title whenever he wants, but he balked at Jones’ alleged financial demands.

Jones (26-1-0) last fought on Feb. 8, when he successfully defended his light heavyweight title with a unanimous decision win over Dominick Reyes (12-1-0) at UFC 247.

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