Jon Jones Wants to Fight Three Times This Year: 'I’m Going to Kick the S--t Out of 2019'

In the past, Jon Jones claims he would fill his life with “partying and nonsense” following a big victory. However, in the aftermath of his light heavyweight championship triumph over Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232, Jones only wants to fill his schedule with more fights.

In a recent Instagram post, “Bones” revealed a desire to fight three times in 2019. If those plans hold up, it would be Jones’ most active year since 2011, when he bested Ryan Bader, Mauricio Rua, Quinton Jackson and Lyoto Machida in a breakout campaign. The Jackson-Wink MMA standout has not competed more than twice in a year since then.

“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,” Jones wrote on Tuesday. “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 s—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. 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.”

The 31-year-old New York native still has yet to be officially defeated in MMA competition, although he does have a no contest and a disqualification on his record. Recent years have been marred by failed drug tests and out-of-the Octagon issues, but if Jones is able to stay out of trouble, 2019 could prove to be memorable indeed.

“So to those fighters in my division go ahead and line up because you’re all getting it,” Jones wrote. “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.”

View this post on Instagram

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 Jan 1, 2019 at 8:02pm PST