Jon Jones planning to fight three times in 2019

After his win over Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232, Jon Jones has said he plans to make three UFC appearances in 2019. After a successful return to the Octagon this past weekend at UFC 232 against Alexander Gustafsson, UFC light heavyweig…

After his win over Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232, Jon Jones has said he plans to make three UFC appearances in 2019.

After a successful return to the Octagon this past weekend at UFC 232 against Alexander Gustafsson, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is planning to fight three times in 2019.

In a lengthy social media post he uploaded on Tuesday, Jones outlined his plans to “leave zero doubt of his dominance as a champion” this year inside the Octagon.

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When the tides shift in your life you not only take notice, but follow where the momentum is taking you. My family and I came to Santa Monica after the fights to unwind, unplug and put the focus on those beautiful things that matter most in my life. I also ate a lot of chocolate cake but don’t knock my hustle because I earned that shit! But on the real, over last few days something profound registered in me. In my heart and mind there has been a shift and it’s a hunger that’s raging. In the past I would fight then shut everything down while I filled my schedule with partying and nonsense, but in the aftermath of reclaiming my belt the only thing I want to do is get back in there. I want to step back into the cage and continue to prove why I’m the best light heavyweight in the world. I’m flying home tonight and heading right back to the gym to continue building my skillset. I’m going to get with my team and keep the cerebral game rolling as well. I’m mapping out the year ahead and I’m absolutely going to kick the shit out of 2019. I want to fight 3 times this year and leave zero doubt of my dominance as a champion. I’m going to do this because that’s what my passion dictates, but it’s also what you fans deserve. You’ve been down with me through thick and thin, and 2019 is going to be incredible. It’s all due to the fact I know what matters and why. So to those fighters in my division go ahead and line up because you’re all getting it. The King has returned and no one is sleeping easy but me now that I’m back. Same crown same reign new faces more pain. That’s what I’m bringing in 19.

A post shared by Jon Bones Jones (@jonnybones) on

“Over last few days something profound registered in me.” Jones wrote. “In my heart and mind there has been a shift and it’s a hunger that’s raging,”

“In the past I would fight then shut everything down while I filled my schedule with partying and nonsense, but in the aftermath of reclaiming my belt the only thing I want to do is get back in there. I want to step back into the cage and continue to prove why I’m the best light heavyweight in the world.” (Transcription via MMA Fighting)

Jones (23-1, 1 NC) was stripped of his 205-pound title after testing positive for turinabol following his second win over Daniel Cormier in July 2017. The 31-year-old also tested positive for a trace of the substance prior to his rematch with Gustafsson last weekend, but USADA did not constitute it as a violation.

“I’m mapping out the year ahead and I’m absolutely going to kick the sh-t out of 2019. I want to fight 3 times this year and leave zero doubt of my dominance as a champion. I’m going to do this because that’s what my passion dictates, but it’s also what you fans deserve.”