Jon Jones wants his fans to know that he appreciates them which is why he’s fighting for the third time in a mere 8 months.
Speaking to BSO, and other members of the media at UFC 239 media day in Los Angeles on Monday, Jones says he grateful to his fans and feels fighting often is his way of doing right by them.
“I have a lot of supporters who stuck with me, even through my inactivity,” Jones said. “This is my way to say thank you to my fans for being there and for their (unwavering) support. I’m just more grateful than ever to be the UFC light heavyweight champion. It’s a special job to have and I just want to do right by it.
“I just feel like there are not many things you can do in life to make this kind of income. If my body is going to hold up, why not just ride it until the wheels fall off. I’m here to just continue dominating and collecting for my family’s future.”
Jones will defend the light heavyweight title against number 2 ranked Thiago Santos at UFC 239. Enjoying success at that weight class, Jones says he’s in no hurry to compete at a second weight class. Although it’s popular to be a “champ champ” he says he has time to get there.
“I think it’s awesome to become a champ-champ, but I also know I have time to do it.”
“I have a lot of time to do it. I’m 31 years old. I’m one of the youngest guys in the division and I feel no need to rush that. Continuing dominance at light heavyweight is working out great for me. Providing for my family and breaking records.
“When the time is right I’ll try it at heavyweight as well. I think the quickest way for that to happen is for the UFC to reach out to me and say, ‘Hey, Jon, we want to take care of you to take on some bigger guys.’ And I’ll oblige.”
