Jones says he won't fight for rest of 2021
Jon Jones won't be returning to the Octagon in the near future.
The former UFC light heavyweight champion, who hasn't fought since February 2020, tweeted Tuesday that he is planning to sit out for the rest of the year and come back to the sport in 2022.
Honestly I feel like the only people that it benefits, me jumping in their early are the other heavy weights. The way I’m training, I’m gonna be a real problem this time next year. I’m comfortable enough to wait and that’s exactly what I’ll do
— BONY (@JonnyBones) May 25, 2021
Yes, I got a feeling you guys will still be around. The sport should be bigger than ever by then.. Always looking on the bright side https://t.co/YwB9nGudMb
— BONY (@JonnyBones) May 25, 2021
Last summer, Jones vacated the 205-pound title and announced he was moving up to the heavyweight division. However, the process of becoming a heavyweight has been tougher and more intensive than the 33-year-old expected.
Man I’m telling you, I’ve always been the skinny one in my family. Becoming a proper heavy weight is a lot more difficult than I had ever anticipated. I want to do it right the first time. https://t.co/VjnZkh0q6N
— BONY (@JonnyBones) May 25, 2021
Jones has been at odds with the UFC and its president, Dana White, in recent months. He was originally expected to challenge for the heavyweight title against the winner of Stipe Miocic versus Francis Ngannou later in 2021, but the promotion was unwilling to meet Jones' price and moved on from that matchup - and the idea of Jones competing altogether.
White said last week that it's up to Jones if he wants to fight again, adding, "There's nothing wrong with going out on top either."
In his last fight, Jones beat Dominick Reyes by controversial decision to record his third straight title defense at 205 pounds. "Bones" is ranked the No. 1 men's pound-for-pound fighter in the UFC.