Stipe Miocic-Jon Jones super fight is off; Jones needs surgery after injury, out 8 months

Fans gearing up for what many believe could have been the biggest fight in UFC history are undoubtedly disappointed today.

That’s because in a shocking development late Oct. 24, UFC president Dana White announced the Stipe Miocic-Jon Jones super fight set for UFC 295 on Nov. 11 at Madison Square Garden is off.

White said Jones, the heavyweight champ, suffered a torn pectoral muscle and needs surgery. Meanwhile, Miocic — the former two-time champ who turned 41 in August — is left high and dry no doubt wondering what is next for him.

According to White, Jones suffered the pectoral injury Oct. 24 while training.

“He was wrestling and tore the tendon that connects your (pectoral) to the bone,” said White. “Eight months, gonna need surgery. He’s out.”

White also announced a replacement bout for Miocic-Jones — that being No. 4-ranked heavyweight Tom Aspinall vs. No. 2-ranked Sergei Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight championship. However, that is not the fight fans were clamoring for heading into November.

As for Miocic (20-4), this news seriously clouds his future. Fighting Jones was the logical next opponent for him and really the only fight to take at this point in his career.

With Jones (27-1) out eight months, it’s reasonable to think the soonest he could fight again is 10 to 12 months from now, possibly longer. If that’s the case, the earliest Miocic-Jones could happen is late summer, early fall of 2024 — when Miocic turns 42.

Further clouding things is what happens next for the winner of the Aspinall-Pavlovich fight. Does Jones fight the winner of that bout or might Miocic get that opportunity? It’s a huge unknown right now, and the UFC must be in scramble mode considering its options at heavyweight.

Coach Marcus Marinelli and his staff have prepared Miocic for arguably the biggest fight of his career and said he was in outstanding shape and ready to go five rounds if needed. Miocic said the more than two-year layoff had him refreshed and ready. More than that, he was inspired to reclaim the championship belt.

“I hate it,” Miocic told The News-Herald in July about not having the belt. “Can’t stand it.”

During his run as champion — which began in 2016 — Miocic cleared out the heavyweight division. That including a trilogy against Daniel Cormier and a dominant win over Francis Ngannou. However, Ngannou got revenge against Miocic when he knocked out the Eastlake North champion in March 2021 to win the belt, which was eventually vacated when Ngannou left the UFC.

Jones — a light heavyweight for most of his career — then moved up to heavyweight and won the belt, setting up the super fight that is now seriously on hold at best.

Miocic said the Jones fight was a legacy fight and “100 percent” the biggest fight of his career.

“It means everything,” said Miocic in July. “It’s everything we’ve worked for.”

An attempt to reach Miocic for comment was unsuccessful.