Despite chest injury requiring surgery, we haven’t seen the last of Jon Jones just yet

Upon hearing the news of Jon Jones’ injury and withdrawal from his heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic, one might assume it signals the end of the greatest fighter’s career. At 36 years old, Jones has contemplated retirement in the past, and a victory over Miocic, the legendary heavyweight champion, at Madison Square Garden, would have been a fitting moment to exit the Octagon.

The injury, sustained while executing a routine takedown in sparring, seemed like an unfortunate way for the sport’s Greatest Of All Time (GOAT) to bow out. However, according to Hunter Campbell, the UFC’s chief business officer, and one of the few individuals who have spoken to Jones since the injury, he remains optimistic about Jones’ future as an active fighter.

In light of Jones’ absence, the UFC has made changes to the upcoming event, with Jiri Prochazka vs. Alex Pereira now headlining the card and Tom Aspinall vs. Sergei Pavlovich competing for the interim heavyweight title. Dana White, the CEO of the UFC, estimated an eight-month recovery period for Jones. However, Dr. David Abbasi, an orthopedic surgeon based in Florida experienced in treating MMA fighters, believes Jones could potentially return to competition in four to six months.

Abbasi, who has performed the exact surgery on his YouTube channel, describes it as a relatively simple procedure and expects Jones to have a full recovery. He likens Jones’ injury to a common occurrence among NFL players, citing J.J. Watt as an example. Should the surgery go well and the muscle heal properly, Abbasi believes Jones will have no lingering issues.

While Campbell and Abbasi express confidence in Jones’ return, the question arises of what this means for Stipe Miocic. Having not fought since losing his belt to Francis Ngannou in 2021, Miocic has made it clear that he is only interested in facing Jones for a shot at the heavyweight title. With a projected six-month recovery period for Jones, the UFC may have the opportunity to reschedule the Jones-Miocic fight for late April or during the highly anticipated International Fight Week in July.

The winner between Aspinall and Pavlovich poses a formidable challenge for Jones. However, a bout against Miocic, two of the sport’s veterans competing for everything on the line, would be a thrilling matchup. The victor would still be in line to face the winner of Aspinall vs. Pavlovich, adding another layer of excitement to the division.

The situation remains fluid, but the positive news amidst the setback is that Jon Jones appears highly likely to return to the octagon once again.