UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones appears to be taking his recent injury in stride, despite it costing him a big main event title fight at Madison Square Garden.
Jones was set for a massive title fight against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 on Nov. 11, but due to an injury suffered in training camp, “Bones” is no longer able to compete. Late Tuesday night, UFC CEO Dana White announced Jones suffered a torn pectoral muscle.
Thursday, Jones posted a video to Instagram, speaking publicly on his injury for the first time, and the entire situation revolving around his withdrawal from UFC 295.
“Thank you to everybody who’s checked in with me to see how I was feeling,” Jones said. “Obviously, a very sad situation. Very upset. But I’ve been through a lot of things in life, and injuries is a part of being an athlete. I want to thank the UFC for getting me into one of the best doctors in the country, Dr. Neal ElAttrache. Thank you to Dr. Neal ElAttrache and his staff members over here in California for seeing me so quick.”
Dr. ElAttrache is a celebrity orthopedic surgeon who has worked with a number of high-profile athletes across all major sports. He recently operated on former UFC light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill, who ruptured his Achilles tendon in July.
Jones continued by extending an apology to Miocic, who will also not compete at UFC 295 as the promotion has created an interim title bout between Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich. Jones, Miocic and White all seem to be on board with keeping their matchup intact for a later date when Jones is healthy to return.
“I wanted to say thank you to Stipe Miocic for all the work that he’s put in,” Jones said. “Also, sorry to Stipe and his team. This comes with the territory. Thank you to all my coaches and training partners, everyone who has helped me get this far – can’t even say to the fight. But the goal is to get surgery tomorrow and get back to work as soon as possible. I guess it’ll be Stipe and I at a later date, and that’s my plan.
“So it’ll be surgery and physical therapy for me for the next several months. But I’m committed. I’m committed, and my head is high. Thank you to everyone who has prayed for me, and I love you all. And again, sincere apology to the fans. I know some of you guys, it was a huge commitment to get out to Madison Square Garden. Hopefully, these other heavyweights, Aspinall and Sergei put on a great show for you guys. I may even show up to the event to watch. But I love you all, and your boy Jon Jones is doing OK. And I’ll be OK. Take care.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 295.
