The UFC is currently experiencing a brand new curse. Following the major shuffle at UFC 294, we are reportedly going to see the same for UFC 295. As such, newly crowned heavyweight champion Jon Jones is out of his fight against Stipe Miocic next month.
Previously, fans experienced a wild 48 hours wherein Alexander Volkanovski and Kamaru Usman stepped up to replace Charles Oliveira and Paulo Costa respectively. Although the circumstances were difficult, the UFC managed to work their magic and save the card. With that said, they might just have to pull one out of the bag once again.
BREAKING NEWS…………… Sergei Pavlovich vs Tom Aspinall for the Interim Heavyweight Championship. Main Event is Jiri Prochazka vs Alex Pereira. #UFC295 is LIVE at MSG on ESPN+ PPV pic.twitter.com/SaPAwpyHi2
— danawhite (@danawhite) October 25, 2023
Taking to social media UFC President Dana White broke the news of Jones’ injury. “Jon Jones was training last night, got injured, he was wrestling, and he tore the tendon that connects your peck to the bone, off the bone. 8 months, gonna need surgery, he’s out”. Naturally, the news of Jones’ injury has left many fans very disappointed. Considering the stakes and the magnitude of the fight, the injury was untimely, to say the least.
Thus, this new trend of big fights getting canceled continues, leaving fans truly dismayed. To put things into context, the fight would have been one of the greatest mixed martial artists against the most accomplished heavyweight in UFC history. A literal GOAT vs. GOAT matchup, that fans are unsure will ever happen again.
Jon Jones is set to be out of action for 8 months
As per Dana White’s comments, the injury seems to be rather severe, making it clear that Jones is out for a considerable amount of time. In his absence, the heavyweight division will need to keep moving. Moreover, in the meantime, neither Jones nor Stipe Miocic have released any statements on the matter.
However, as White declared, the previous co-main event, Jiri Prochazka vs Alex Pereira will now be the main event. Seeing that the vacant light heavyweight title is on the line, it is more than fitting as the new headliner. Yet another awesome contest with two very high-level fighters, fans will not feel hard done by with the new main event. Additionally, the matchmakers have cooked up something spicy for the co-main event as well.
With Jones out for 8 months, a new interim heavyweight title will be up for grabs. As such, Sergei Pavlovich, who was the backup fighter for UFC 295, will take on Tom Aspinall in the co-main event. Previously, the #2 ranked Pavlovich bested the likes of Derrick Lewis, Tai Tuivasa, and Curtis Blaydes to keep his knockout streak intact. As for Aspinall, he made his return from injury against Marcin Tybura and looked phenomenal as ever.
As for Stipe, it is understood that he will be pulled from the card entirely. According to rumors, Miocic will only fight Jones, in what will likely be his final bout before retirement. Thus, it is unknown whether Miocic offered to fight at UFC 295 or he simply opted to wait for Jones. All things considered, all parties will hope for the matchup to materialize in the future once again.