Alexander Volkanovski has joked that he ‘volunteers’ to replace Jon Jones after the heavyweight star was forced to withdraw from UFC 295 with a nasty injury.
Dana White revealed that the man many regard to be the greatest fighter ever tore a tendon in his pectoral muscle and will be out for eight months.
British star Tom Aspinall will now fight Sergei Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight title instead.
Fans across social media today have said it is the ‘worst news ever’ that Jones’ title defence against Stipe Miocic on November 11 has been called off.
Five time UFC title winner Max Holloway also took to X to share his views, writing: ‘Damn more craziness.’
Alexander Volkanovski after his TKO loss against Islam Makhachev at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi
Jon Jones has been forced to pull out of UFC 295 after he tore a tendon in his pectoral muscle
UFC fans took to social media to share their disappointment over the news of Jones’ injury
One person wrote on social media: ‘This is a crazy ass year with a lot of upsets and pull outs. Worst.’
Another complained: ‘What do you mean Jon Jones is out of UFC 295??’
A third said: ‘This is literally the worst news to wake up too… I hate this game sometimes.’
Following his UFC 294 loss to Islam Makhachev after he was called up on very short notice when Charles Oliviera suffered a ghastly cut in training, Volkanovski tagged Dana White in a post with laughing emojis, joking: ‘I volunteer as tribute.’
He then added: ‘Obviously wish @Jonny Bones all the best in recovery.’
Fans of the Australian mixed martial artist commented beneath his tweet saying, ‘I have no doubt you would show up living legend’ and ‘You did say you don’t need a break’.
With Jones out of UFC 295, it does pave the way for British hopeful Aspinall
British star Tom Aspinall will now fight Sergei Pavlovich for the interim heavyweight title
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