Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Thiago Santos wants a title fight with Dominick Reyes after Jon Jones’ arrest.
Jon Jones should be stripped of his UFC light heavyweight title following his recent arrest, leaving Thiago Santos and Dominick Reyes to fight for the vacant title. At least that’s what “Maretta” wants.
The current light heavyweight champ Jones, 32, was arrested on Thursday morning for a aggravated DWI, negligent use of firearm, and other charges. With the UFC currently “gathering additional information” on the case, Santos has said it’s only fair the promotion strip Jones of his belt, leaving him and Reyes to fight for the vacant title.
I think UFCs 205 div needs a new champ! ( One thats not forever in trouble!)
I think me and Reyes deserve to fight for that belt! @danawhite @Mickmaynard2 @ufc @DomReyes @UFCBrasil @Alexdavismma @espnmma— Thiago Marreta (@TMarretaMMA) March 26, 2020
“I think UFC’s 205 division needs a new champ, one that’s not forever in trouble,” Santos wrote on Twitter. “I think me and (Dominick) Reyes deserve to fight for that belt!”
Santos (21-7) last fought for the 205-pound title against Jones in July of last year, losing by a close split decision at UFC 239. The Brazilian had won thee straight fights at light heavyweight since moving up from 185-pounds before his recent loss.
Reyes (12-1) is also coming off a narrow split decision loss to Jones. That defeat was the first of his professional career, after winning twelve straight fights before that including a first-round KO of former middleweight champion Chris Weidman.
A handful of MMA fighters have since reacted to Jones’ arrest, with the likes of former teammate Diego Sanchez labeling him “the fakest f-ck ever” and flyweight champ Valentina Shevchenko actually defending the pound-for-pound number one.