'I volunteer as tribute' - MMA world reacts to cancelled Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic fight from UFC 295

Jon Jones injured, out of UFC 294

As the UFC CEO revealed, Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic is officially off, after the champion sustained an injury to his pec that will need surgery.

A new interim heavyweight title has been created, and will be contested by Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall. That fight will be the co-main event, with Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira being promoted to the headliner.

Pros react to Jon Jones’ injury, UFC 295 main event change

Fans and fighters will probably be waking up to a big shock, but here’s some early reactions to the major change from UFC 295.

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

Obviously wish @JonnyBones all the best in recovery
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) October 25, 2023

Damn more craziness https://t.co/BM7hQ30z8x
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) October 25, 2023

😂 https://t.co/HXfCtbwll0
— Mike Jackson, Esq. (@TheTruthJackson) October 25, 2023

Wishing you a speedy recovery champ @JonnyBones 🙏
— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) October 25, 2023

A lot of people are asking why didn't Miocic stay on UFC 295 and fight for the interim belt. What would be the point? Jones vs. Miocic was the legacy fight. Why risk losing that if you're Miocic? The UFC can still rebook it for next year and it would be just as big.

— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) October 25, 2023

He wants to retire on a big fight. Getting pounded by Sergei Pavlovich ain’t it. https://t.co/De7CtjkQ7z
— Zane Simon (@TheZaneSimon) October 25, 2023

The UFC's hope is to still book Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic on a big card in 2024 once Jones returns from injury, sources told ESPN.
— Marc Raimondi (@marcraimondi) October 25, 2023

Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic won't happen at UFC 295. — Louis Grasse / ZUMA Wire, IMAGO

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About the author

Anton Tabuena

Anton Tabuena is the Managing Editor for Bloody Elbow. He’s been covering MMA and combat sports since 2009, and has also fought in MMA, Muay Thai and kickboxing.