UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has been sidelined from UFC 295 due to a severe injury, prompting the cancellation of his highly anticipated bout against Stipe Miocic.
UFC president Dana White made the announcement through a late-night post on social media.
With the main event now off the card, the spotlight shifts to the light heavyweight title match featuring former champions Jiri Prochazka and Alex Pereira. This match will take centre stage as the headlining match of the evening.
In the co-main event, Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall will go head-to-head in a fierce contest for the UFC interim heavyweight title.
White revealed that Jones suffered an injury, tearing the tendon that connects the pectoral muscle to the bone. This will necessitate immediate surgery. The recovery period is estimated at eight months, a significant absence for the reigning heavyweight champion.
Pavlovich has a remarkable record of 18-1, and is riding a spectacular six-bout winning streak. His victories include notable triumphs over Curtis Blaydes, Derrick Lewis, and Tau Tuivasa. This stellar performance has earned him a well-deserved shot at UFC gold at UFC 295.
Aspinall has a record of 13-3, and showcased his prowess by securing five consecutive victories in the UFC. Unfortunately, his winning streak was interrupted by an injury sustained during his bout with Blaydes.
However, he made a triumphant return last July by achieving a TKO victory over Marcin Tybura. This victory catapulted him into the ranks of top title contenders.
This unprecedented injury casts a shadow of uncertainty over Jon Jones’ future in the octagon. As a future UFC hall of famer, the question of retirement now looms large. Jones himself had hinted that the match against Miocic could potentially be his last.
The MMA community now eagerly awaits updates on Jones’ recovery and his eventual return to the octagon following this significant setback.