Jon Jones Withdrew From UFC 170 Due To Lingering Injuries

Ever since UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones got the fight of his life against Alexander Gustafsson in the main event of September’s UFC 165, news has continuously come and gone about ‘Bones’’ next opponent.

First it was thought the champ would give Gustafsson an immediate rematch but Jones ultimately settled on granting next number one contender Glover Teixeira a title shot. That bout was supposedly scheduled for the UFC’s traditional Super Bowl Weekend UFC 169 card in early February.

But word was released that White and the UFC had apparently gotten ahead of themselves.

So Jones vs. Teixeira was instead slated for UFC 170 on February 22. Very soon after the announcement was made, more news came that Jones was withdrawing from UFC 170 as well, citing not enough time to adequately prepare for Teixeira.

Today, White spoke to MMA Junkie to detail just why Jones had his long-awaited bout with Teixeira pushed back to a yet-to-be-determined date:

“Jon Jones went back in the gym and just didn’t feel good. He said his legs were still bothering him and his eye is bothering him. He still banged up from that fight. That fight wasn’t that long ago. It’s like being in a car accident. We’re still working on that deal.”

Indeed Jones was in quite the war with ‘The Mauler.’ Many felt that Jones lost the belt to Gustafsson but was gifted a decision by the judges. The damage factor appears to be favoring Gustafsson, who himself has a March 8 bout against surging contender Jimi Manuwa booked for a London UFC event.

The champ was rushed to the hospital following his slugfest with Gustafsson but was apparently healing up quite well. Today we find out that he has lingering issues that will keep his status in limbo.

Just how bad is Jones hurt? The announcements about his next fight seem to change everyday. Will he be the same dominant ‘Bones’ when he eventually sets foot back in the Octagon?

Outer Photo: Tom Szczerbowski for USA TODAY Sports