Former light heavyweight contender Thiago Santos is calling for a title fight against Dominick Reyes as Jon Jones faces another legal trouble.
The two-time 205-pound champion was arrested on Thursday morning by the Albuquerque police for aggravated DWI (driving while intoxicated) and gun charges, which could be a major blow to Jones’ incredible mixed martial arts career.
The Nevada-based promotion has yet to decide on Jones’ fate in the UFC but its officials have been in contact with his camp to gather information about the incident.
But for the Brazilian light heavyweight, he wants the pound-for-pound king to be stripped of his 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,” Santos wrote on Twitter, following the news of Jones’ arrest.
Toughest Test
Santos gave Jones the toughest test of his career to date as they fought in an instant classic at UFC 239 in July 2019, with the defending champ winning it by way of split decision.
Following the epic war, ‘Marreta’ needed to go under the knife as he sustained ACL, MCL, PCL and meniscus tear in his left knee and a ligament damage in the right knee.
“I must admit, these days are tough, filled with a lot of pain. I can’t sleep or eat properly due to the medications. I even fear using the bathroom because the walk there is a battle.”
He has spent the past eight months recovering from the brutal injury and has been campaigning for a rematch with the Jackson Wink MMA standout.
Now, Santos hopes the UFC gives him another shot at the light heavyweight title against Jones’ most recent challenger in Reyes for his Octagon return.
Reyes came up short of winning the 205-pound strap but was able to push Jones to his limits when they tussled in the main event of UFC 247 last month.
Hungry
Santos has provided a timeline for his return and is hoping he could be in line for another crack at a UFC gold.
“My recovery is going so good. I started training and continuing my recovery in Las Vegas, and I hope I will be back soon. Maybe June or before,” Marreta said (via MMA Junkie).
“We will see what the UFC has for me.”
“If the UFC puts me in line for a title shot, for me it’s ok because I will fight again 100%. So for me, it doesn’t matter but if I need to do one fight before, it’s ok too.”
“I’m hungry for fight again, so I will be so happy to fight again, so it doesn’t matter if I’m in line for a title shot or one fight before.”
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Thiago Santos and Dominick Reyes)