UFC should’ve stripped Jon Jones of heavyweight title

Brendan Schaub believes the UFC is not doing justice to its heavyweight division.

Schaub, a retired UFC heavyweight turned comedian and MMA analyst, is of the opinion that Jon Jones should have been stripped of the heavyweight belt after tearing his pectoral muscle and being unable to defend it against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295.

According to Schaub, when Jones defeated Ciryl Gane, he became the heavyweight champion. However, when a champion is unable to compete for at least a year due to injury, Schaub believes the belt should be vacated instead of having an interim title fight.

Following Jones’ withdrawal from UFC 295, the promotion announced an interim title fight between Sergei Pavlovich and Tom Aspinall.

Despite UFC CEO Dana White stating that Jones would likely be out for eight months, Schaub thinks the severity of a torn pectoral muscle is being underestimated and expects Jones to be out for a much longer period. This further strengthens his argument that Jones should have been stripped of the belt.

Schaub explains, “Jon Jones tore his pec, and I’m not talking about a minor tear. They’re saying he tore it completely off the bone. I have firsthand experience with these injuries, as I’ve had pec issues and I know many professional athletes who have had torn pecs. When it’s completely detached from the bone, the recovery time is not quick.”

He continues, “The UFC said a minimum of eight months, assuming he undergoes surgery and needs to reattach the muscle to the bone. There are many factors involved in a torn pec, so I assume he will be out for about a year. Jon Jones probably won’t be fighting for at least a year, and he’s not getting any younger.”

Story originally appeared on MMA Junkie