How Many Times Has Jon Jones Pulled Out From UFC Fights? Exploring Jones’ Injury Timeline

Jon Jones is out of his fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295. The highly anticipated clash between the two was billed as a legacy-defining fight for both men. Miocic, a former 2-time UFC heavyweight champion was making his return to the Octagon after a hiatus since 2021. Fans were anticipating the fight as Jones’s first real test in the heavyweight division. His debut in the weight class against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 ended in the very first round with Jones securing a quick submission win.

UFC CEO Dana White confirmed Jones’s injury in a social media post. White noted that Jones had sustained an injury while training and would require surgery. With the matchup now being canceled, it is remarkable to note that this is a rare instance in the case of Jon Jones. In his more than a decade-long career, Jones has always been ready to step into the cage. Let’s take a look at the injury history of Bones’s remarkable UFC career!

Jon Jones and his injury history in the UFC

UFC 295 witnessed the most anticipated fight of the year falling through as Dana White confirmed that Jon Jones’s injury led to the replacement of the main event. White also revealed that Jones will be out of competition for 8 months or more while he recovers from a torn pectoral tendon.

Jon Jones made his UFC debut in 2008 and became the youngest UFC champion in history at the age of 23. His incredible physical attributes, wrestling skills, and fight IQ have made him a formidable opponent for anyone who steps into the cage against him. Despite his personal troubles outside the Octagon, Jones has always stepped up to face his opponents. And this injury marks just the 2nd time in his career that he has pulled out of a fight.

The first instance occurred in 2014 when Jones pulled out of his title defense against Daniel Cormier at UFC 178. Jones stated that he had suffered an injury to his leg and would be out due to surgery and recovery. The bout was rescheduled to take place at UFC 182. And Jones returned at full strength to defeat Cormier via decision in the 5-round fight.

Jones’s pectoral tendon tear will mean an extended layoff for the champion. In the social media announcement, White also confirmed that the co-main event for UFC 295 will now feature Tom Aspinall vs Sergei Pavlovich for the Interim UFC heavyweight title.

Fans now eagerly anticipate Jones’ return to action, and many wonder if the fight with Stipe will be rescheduled for next year. But despite Jones’ perception in the community for his controversial incidents, his record speaks volumes about his willingness to take on all comers! And with Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka still ready to fight, the card is filled with interesting matchups.

UFC 295 will feature an all-action bout between two incredible knockout artists

Alex Pereira will be attempting to capture the light heavyweight title at UFC 295. ‘Poatan’ who had his middleweight title saga in the UFC revolve around fighting Israel Adesanya, is now looking for new challenges. Pereira won the middleweight title in spectacular fashion by stopping Adesanya at UFC 281. But his loss of the title came with the old adage, “those who live by the sword, die by it”. As Adesanya knocked him out at UFC 287 to take the title back from ‘Poatan’. 

Jiri Prochazka returns to the Octagon after a shoulder injury severe enough to make him vacate his title had sidelined him. Now, with his recovery and readiness confirmed, Prochazka will be looking to take back his title.

Read More: Joe Rogan Sets the Record Straight on Former UFC Champ Jiri Prochazka’s Shoulder Injury That Dana White Labeled “Worst” Injury

For Pereira, this will be his second fight in the light-heavyweight division as he faced former champion, Jan Blachowicz at UFC 291. Pereira won the fight via decision, but his fight with Prochazka has fans anticipating a firefight. Both men are known for their brutal highlight reel knockouts and thudding power.

Do you think Alex Pereira can become the UFC light-heavyweight champion? And will we see Jon Jones fight Stipe Miocic next year? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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