UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones said he plans to fight three times in 2019 to satisfy the “hunger that’s raging” inside him.
Jones reclaimed his belt against long-time foe Alexander Gustafsson last weekend at UFC 232 with a third-round TKO win.
That victory seems to have stirred something up inside of Jones, who took to Instagram to say he wants to head straight back to the gym to train after some well-earned family time, rather than party like he would in the past.
“On the real, over last few days something profound registered in me,” Jones posted. “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 three times this year and leave zero doubt of my dominance as a champion.”
A focused, motivated Jon Jones is a scary prospect for any of his fellow light heavyweights. But it’s how Jones signed off his post which should set off alarm bells for those weighing in at 205 pounds.
“The King has returned and no one is sleeping easy but me now that I’m back,” Jones begun his final salvo. “Same crown same reign new faces more pain. That’s what I’m bringing in ’19.”