THE UFC main event for the heavyweight championship has been rocked after Jon Jones suffered a nasty injury.
The spectacular event at the iconic Madison Square Garden venue in New York was due to be headlined by Jon Jones' showdown with Stipe Miocic.
What injury does Jon Jones have?
Jones tore a pectoral tendon off the bone while in training on Monday night (October 23, 2023).
UFC president Dana White confirmed the news on social media.
He said: “Here we are again.
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“Jon Jones was training last night, got injured.
"He was wrestling and tore the tendon that connects your pec to the bone, off the bone.
“Eight months, going to need surgery. He’s out.”
Jones also released a statement on Facebook following the injury.
He wrote: "I'd like to apologize to all the fans who were excited for UFC 178.
"Earlier this week, I suffered an injury while training for the fight.
"I'm having surgery tomorrow and I'm focused on recovering as quickly as possible.
"I look forward to getting back in the gym and defending my title on Jan. 3 in Las Vegas."
The injury continues a trend of inactivity for Jones, who has had only one fight since his win over Dominick Reyes in 2020.
Jones made his heavyweight debut against Frenchman Ciryl Gane in March 2023, and came away victorious in the main event of UFC 285 in Las Vegas.
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When will Jon Jones fight Stipe Miocic?
Jones is one of UFC's biggest names and boasts an excellent 27-1-0 record.
He was looking to make the first defence of his heavyweight title against Miocic - who is regarded as the best heavyweight in history by some.
The two were meant to go head-to-head in the main event of UFC 295 on November 11, 2023.
But due to Jones' injury, the card has had to be revamped.
Jones had considered his fight with Miocic as potentially the last of his decorated career.
He believed that victory over the heavyweight would solidify his already impressive legacy.
It remains to be seen if Jones will return back to the ring after extensive surgery and rehabilitation.
However, sources have said they hope to still rebook Jones vs. Miocic for a big card in 2024.
Will Tom Aspinall replace Jon Jones?
Alex Pereira's light heavyweight clash with Jiri Prochazka is the new headline bout.
They will fight for the vacant light heavyweight title.
Britain’s Tom Aspinall and Russia’s Sergei Pavlovich have also been moved up the card.
The MSG card will see them go face to face for the interim heavyweight title as a co-main event.
Pavlovich is the number two ranked heavyweight, 18-1 with 15 knockouts.
His last seven wins all ended in the very first round.
He has claimed wins over Derrick Lewis, Tai Tuivasa and Curtis Blaydes.
Pavlovich hopes to become the fourth Russian champion in UFC history.
Meanwhile, Tom is the number four ranked heavyweight, 13-3 with 10 knockouts and three subs.
Nearly all but one of his wins have come in the first round.
