Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight champion Jon Jones remains in high spirits despite suffering a serious injury that necessitates a prolonged recovery period. Jones, with a record of 27-1, 1 NC, is bent on making a quick return to the Octagon after being ousted from his UFC 295 title fight with Stipe Miocic (20-4) due to a shoulder injury. About two and a half weeks before the eagerly anticipated heavyweight title attraction, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Jones had torn his pectoral while grappling, an injury that requires surgery.
With Jones sidelined for an extended period, the promotion decided to introduce an interim heavyweight belt for a new fight. This belt will be contended by top contenders Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich. They will be stepping in on short notice for the co-main event of UFC 295. Jones took to social media on Thursday to discuss his withdrawal, and tender apologies to his opponent as well as the fans.
“Thank you to everybody who’s checked in with me to see how I was feeling,” Jones remarked. He went on to thank the UFC for their support, and Dr. Neal ElAttrache and his team for their timely assistance. He also thanked his opponent Stipe and his team for the work they had put in, apologizing for his sudden withdrawal and hoping to fight Miocic at a later date.
According to a statement by White, possible recovery time for Jones following his surgery could be eight months. Despite the long and challenging recovery ahead, Jones remains hopeful about the process. “So it’ll be surgery and physical therapy for me for the next several months. But I’m committed, and my head is high. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me, and I love you all. And I’ll be OK. Take care,” the champ concluded.