- Dana White announced the interim title fight between Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich after Jon Jones pulled out due to injury
- UFC 295’s main event is now Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira
UFC president Dana White made a shocking announcement as heavyweight champion Jon Jones was forced to withdraw from UFC 295 due to an injury. Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich are now slated to fight for the interim heavyweight title.
An unfortunate event
According to White, “Bones” was in the middle of wrestling training when he tore a tendon on the pectoral region. The UFC boss then confirmed that they had been notified that Jones would be out for “eight months” and would be required to undergo surgery.
“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, gonna need surgery. He’s out,” White confirmed in a video.
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
Prior to the injury, Jones was set to defend his heavyweight title against former champion Stipe Miocic.
2024 will be massive if Jones vs Miocic is re-booked for next year ⏳
(h/t @marcraimondi) pic.twitter.com/asIlF17LKw
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 25, 2023
An exciting interim title fight
While fans would no longer see the highly-anticipated match between Jones and Miocic, White reassured them that there’s still a heavyweight bout to look forward to at UFC 295.
White announced the interim title fight between No. 2 heavyweight, Sergei Pavlovich and No. 4, Tom Aspinall. The UFC president is certain it would be an exciting match as both top-tanked heavyweights have impressive resumes and are undeniably in their prime.
White also confirmed that the new UFC 295 main event is Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira for the vacant light heavyweight title.
Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall are set to fight at UFC 295 for the interim heavyweight title.
Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic was cancelled due to an injury to Jones, Dana White announced. pic.twitter.com/a7pOP6yvzm
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) October 25, 2023
