Dana White announced Jon Jones’ withdrawal from the much-anticipated title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 a week ago. The reason was a severe pectoral tear. Consequently, Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich were roped into the limelight for an interim heavyweight title bout.
As the MMA community reels from this unexpected twist, Jones’ future fights and recovery timeline become the topics of intense speculation. Interestingly, the original co-main event of UFC 295, Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira was elevated to the main event of the PPV.
When will Jon Jones return to UFC?
Jones, renowned for his dominant presence in the octagon, faced a major setback during a rigorous training session. The heavyweight champ sustained a pectoral injury while practicing wrestling. Specifically, he tore the tendons connecting his pectoral muscle to the bone. It is an injury common among American Footballers and not just MMA fighters.
Dana White, the UFC CEO, immediately shared this distressing news. He confirmed that Jones’ participation in UFC 295 had become untenable. Moreover, videos of Jones’s injury during his wrestling practice went viral, sending disappointment throughout the MMA world.
Subsequently, Jones underwent surgery. Initial estimates suggest a recovery period of about eight months. However, optimists hope for a quicker comeback. Interestingly, this marks Jones’s first withdrawal from a bout due to injury.
Historically, the champion has missed fights, but never for health-related reasons. Jones refused to partake in a short-notice bout against Chael Sonnen at UFC 151 leading to the event cancellation.
Update on Jon Jones injury
A recent clip posted on X showcased a disheartened, shirtless Jones post-surgery, shaking his head in palpable disappointment. The eight-second-long video has also saddened the fans of the GOAT of MMA. The clip was posted by Jon Jones on social media immediately after the successful completion of his surgery.
With Jones sidelined, UFC 295 faced significant reshuffling. Stipe Miocic, originally set to face Jones, also stepped back from the event. This prompted the promotion of the co-main event between Jiri Prochazka and Alex Pereira to the main event slot. Moreover, the interim heavyweight championship bout featuring Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall emerged as the new co-main event.
The potential clash between Miocic and Jones had all the hallmarks of a classic. Touted as possibly the most anticipated fight of 2023, fans eagerly awaited an exciting showdown between these two MMA juggernauts. The victor would not only walk away with the title but would also establish his dominance as one of the best ever.
Unfortunately, fate had other plans. Jones’ injury derailed this epic battle, leaving fans and pundits alike yearning for what could have been a monumental event at the Madison Square Garden.
Do you think Jon Jones would fight Stipe Miocic in 2024? Comment below!
