There is a reason Jon Jones is the consensus GOAT of MMA. It’s not just the undefeated records, or the titles; it’s also the injuries he had to overcome, the pain he had to bite through on his way to the legacy-defining fight at MSG this weekend. His career has been riddled with injuries that could have potentially ended his reign. However, ‘Bones’ has consistently defied the odds, bouncing back stronger every time.

This weekend, after a year-long layoff, New York native is set to return to the Octagon, putting his heavyweight title on the line against the two-time champion Stipe Miocic in what promises to be a grueling five-round battle. The fight will take place in the heart of the ‘Big Apple’ at UFC 309, a bout originally scheduled for last year at UFC 295 in the same venue against the same opponent. However, it was postponed due to a shoulder injury that sidelined Jon Jones. While fans may be aware of his 2023 setback, many may not know the full extent of the injuries ‘Bones’ has endured throughout his career. So, we’re diving deep to bring you a detailed account of all the injuries Jon Jones has faced, including his latest one.

Jon Jones injuries: Pectoral tear & more

Everything seemed to be going well for UFC heavyweight star Jon Jones last year, both personally and professionally. On the personal front, he reconciled with his longtime partner, while professionally, he successfully transitioned to the heavyweight division after dominating the 205 lbs category for years. ‘Bones’ made a strong statement by submitting Ciryl Gane via guillotine choke to claim the vacant heavyweight title.

However, just a few months later, while preparing for his first title defense, Jon Jones suffered a torn pectoral muscle during a sparring session. This injury required surgery and forced him out of the fight. According to Dr. Abbasai, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports injuries, if left untreated, a torn pectoral muscle could result in permanent scarring on the chest and restricted mobility, preventing the full extension of the arm. The injury involves the rupture of the pectoralis major tendon, which connects the chest to the upper arm bone. Although such injuries are commonly seen in weightlifters, this wasn’t the first time the two-division champion faced significant setbacks due to injuries.

‘Bones’ injury woes date back over a decade, starting in April 2011 when he was forced to pull out of his UFC 133 bout against Rashad Evans due to a torn ligament in his thumb. This marked the beginning of what became a recurring theme in his career. In 2014, Jones tore the meniscus and ligaments in his knee, leading to the postponement of his highly anticipated grudge match against Daniel Cormier at UFC 178.

Despite these challenges, Jon Jones continued to persevere, although injuries remained a part of his journey. Between 2014 and 2020, he faced several setbacks, including an arm injury that, while not serious, reportedly impacted his heavyweight aspirations. Yet, ‘Bones’ managed to push through, competing without major interruptions and continuing to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history.

What surgeries did Jon Jones have?

Jon Jones may appear tough on the outside, but his resilience and mental toughness on the inside are even more remarkable. After suffering his first professional injury—a ligament tear in his right hand—’Bones’ made the decision to avoid surgery. This was confirmed by his then-agent, Malki Kawa, who shared the news on X. Jones didn’t make this decision lightly; instead, he consulted with his doctor in Las Vegas, Dr. Vahey, who advised immobilizing the hand in a cast for a month.

However, Dr. Vahey also warned the champion about the possibility of the injury recurring in the future. Reflecting on the situation, Kawa stated, “From the start, Jon was hoping to avoid surgery.” This right-hand ligament issue had been a lingering setback for Jones since his wrestling days. But with time and careful management, he was able to overcome it.

However, as the years passed, Jon Jones’ body began to slow in its ability to recover, largely due to the toll his career had taken on him. This became evident with his pectoral tear last year, which led to the most significant medical procedure of his career.

Reflecting on the experience, ‘Bones’ shared, “It was a beautiful time for me, to be able to take a step back and really consider who I am outside of the UFC.” During his recovery, Jones decided to address another long-standing issue—an elbow injury he had delayed fixing for years. He explained his reasoning: “So I thought I’d just kill two birds with one stone and get this elbow taken care of once and for all.”

Now, all eyes turn to UFC 309. After enduring two major surgeries in the past year, the question remains—can Jon Jones reclaim his explosive and relentless fighting style as he faces the legendary heavyweight Stipe Miocic in this weekend’s highly anticipated clash? Who are you backing in this epic showdown—Jones or Miocic? Share your predictions below!