Jon Jones says performance against Dominick Reyes proved time at light heavyweight was over

Jon Jones has come to a full realization that his days at light heavyweight are done.

Jones (26-1 MMA, 20-1 UFC), who relinquished his UFC 205-pound title almost two years ago, hasn’t competed since he edged out Dominick Reyes at UFC 247 in February 2020. The former light heavyweight king’s last two title defenses came in close decision wins over Reyes and Thiago Santos. He’s now seeking a new chapter in his career at heavyweight.

“My candle for light heavyweight blew out, it showed in my last fight, instead of being discouraged by a bad performance, I’m stoked about this new season. New energy. My time at LWH was over, I see that more clear today than ever.”

My candle for light heavyweight blew out, it showed in my last fight, instead of being discouraged by a bad performance, I’m stoked about this new season. New energy. My time at LWH was over, I see that more clear today than ever

— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 29, 2022

With UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the year after undergoing knee surgery, Dana White said Jones could slide into an interim title fight.

Jones was arrested this past September after an alleged domestic violence incident at a Las Vegas hotel, but later cut a plea deal with prosecutors. “Bones” recently has been spending time in Arizona training with former UFC bantamweight and flyweight champ Henry Cejudo, who is confident Jones finally will make his heavyweight debut this year.