Jon Jones Injured in Training, Requires Surgery: Match with Stipe Miocic Postponed

• UFC

In a shocking turn of events, one of the most highly anticipated matches in UFC history, the heavyweight title bout pitting Stipe Miocic against John Jones, has been abruptly canceled. The originally scheduled fight, set to take place on November 11th at Madison Square Garden during UFC 295, will no longer be happening.

UFC promoter Dana White, who had initially excited fans with the fight's announcement, had to break the disheartening news on social media, citing an injury sustained by John Jones during his training camp as the primary reason for the cancellation.

Jones suffered a severe tendon injury in his shoulder, necessitating surgery

The disappointment stemming from this cancellation is palpable, especially given the legendary status of both fighters involved. Stipe Miocic, widely regarded as one of the greatest heavyweights to grace the Octagon, was slated to make his long-awaited return to competition.

Having lost the heavyweight championship belt to Francis Ngannou nearly three years ago, Miocic had set his sights on reclaiming the title he held with such distinction. His incredible record in the heavyweight division boasts numerous title defenses and victories, including notable triumphs over the likes of Fabricio Werdum, Alistair Overeem, Junior dos Santos, and Francis Ngannou.

Despite a brief setback when he lost the title to Daniel Cormier, Miocic managed to regain it, successfully defending it once more before his last fight in March 2021, which saw him on the receiving end of a knockout by Francis Ngannou.

On the other side of the Octagon, the enigmatic Jon Jones, who has only tasted defeat once in his storied career, was poised to defend his title. Having dominated the light heavyweight division from 2011 to 2020, Jones moved up to the heavyweight category and clinched the championship with a victory over Cyril Gane earlier this year, setting the stage for this tantalizing clash with the Croatian-American fighter.

Unfortunately, during one of his rigorous training sessions, Jones suffered a severe tendon injury in his shoulder, necessitating surgery and a grueling eight-month rehabilitation process. The abrupt cancellation of this bout leaves fans and the entire UFC community in a state of collective disappointment and uncertainty.

The dream of witnessing two of the sport's greatest fighters locking horns has been dashed, at least temporarily. It remains to be seen when or if this epic clash will come to fruition, leaving the MMA world eagerly awaiting the day when Stipe Miocic and Jon Jones can finally share the cage and deliver on the colossal expectations that have surrounded this matchup.