Jones explains why he vacated UFC title

Jon Jones explained in a tweet Thursday why he decided to relinquish the UFC light heavyweight title.

"I knew my heavyweight goals were going to take some time," Jones wrote. "I wasn't going to play games with the contenders and make people fight (for) interim championship belts. There's little rest on the throne."

Jones announced earlier this month he was giving up the 205-pound belt - which he'd held on and off since 2011 - in pursuit of a run in the heavyweight division.

His heavyweight debut is not yet set, but UFC president Dana White said it's possible "Bones" could fight the winner of the planned title rematch between champion Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou.

With Jones out of the picture at light heavyweight, Dominick Reyes and Jan Blachowicz are scheduled to fight for the vacant belt at UFC 253 on Sept. 26.