Jon Jones (image via UFC/YouTube)

By FCF Staff

As the MMA world waits to see whether a fight between Francis Ngannou and Jon Jones could materialize in the coming months, the latter’s announced he won’t fight again until 2022.

Jones vacated the UFC’s light heavyweight title last year and began preparing physically for a run at heavyweight. After Ngannou won the heavyweight title in March, by knocking out Stipe Miocic, Jones began campaigning for a title shot.

But, in a series of recent tweets, Jones relayed the following.

“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.”

And when someone asked if the 33-year-old will be sidelined for a “full year”, Jones responded.

“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.”

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 month, UFC President Dana White claimed that Jones was asking for a guaranteed, $30 million for a fight with Ngannou, which Jones denied. White has also said recently that contender Derrick Lewis will fight Ngannou next.

Jones (26-1, 1 NC) hasn’t fought since February 2020, when he recorded a controversial, decision win over Dominick Reyes.