Jon Jones, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, will not be facing Stipe Miocic in the highly anticipated UFC 295 event. UFC President Dana White announced that Miocic, the reigning heavyweight champion, suffered a torn pectoral tendon during a training session earlier this week. This unfortunate injury will sideline Miocic for the next eight months.
Key Takeaway
Jon Jones will not be fighting Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 due to a torn pectoral tendon, which will require surgery and an eight-month recovery period.
In a social media video late Tuesday night, Dana White addressed the situation, saying, “Jon Jones was training last night, got injured. He was wrestling, and he tore the tendon that connects your pec to the bone off the bone. Eight months, gonna need surgery. He’s out.”
White also shared footage capturing the moment Jones went down, visibly in pain as he reached for his chest. The injury to Jones, who is known for his exceptional fighting skills and dominant performances, is undoubtedly disappointing for fans eagerly awaiting this highly anticipated matchup.
However, to make up for the absence of the Jones-Miocic fight, Dana White revealed an exciting alternative matchup for fans to enjoy. The co-main event at Madison Square Garden on November 11 will feature Sergei Pavlovich taking on Tom Aspinall for the interim heavyweight title.
Sergei Pavlovich, the second-ranked heavyweight contender, boasts an impressive record of 18 wins and only 1 loss, with 15 of his victories coming by way of knockout. Tom Aspinall, the fourth-ranked heavyweight, has a record of 13-3, with 10 knockout wins and three submissions. Both fighters have a history of finishing their opponents decisively, making this clash between the number two and number four-ranked contenders an enticing spectacle for fans.
Dana White expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming interim title fight, stating, “A combined 25 knockouts, 26 first-round finishes — No. 2 vs. No. 4 in the heavyweight division for the interim heavyweight title.”
Despite this setback, Dana White has not given up hope for a future matchup between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. He plans to make the fight happen once Jones has fully recovered and is ready to compete again, possibly in 2024.
The news of Jon Jones withdrawing from the fight against Stipe Miocic has undoubtedly left fans disappointed, but the interim heavyweight title bout between Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall promises to deliver an exciting clash between two highly skilled fighters.
