UFC champion Jon Jones‘ coach Greg Jackson’s foresight and his desire to save his disciple from committing a blunder ultimately proved a costly affair for UFC back in 2012.

‘Bones’ had to defend his light heavyweight title for the fourth time against Dan Henderson at UFC 151 on September 1, 2012, at the Mandalay Bay Center in Las Vegas. ‘Hendo’ was running on red hot form as he defeated the likes of Fedor Emelianenko and Shogun Rua in his previous bouts and thus received a crack at the gold. However, Henderson pulled out 9 days prior to the main event. While UFC tried to set up a rematch between Lyoto Machida and Jon Jones, ‘The Dragon’ also backed down, citing the thin payout.

The promotion then turned to Chael Sonnen, who accepted the fight with less than a week’s notice. Notably, he entered the negotiations on the heel of a middleweight title loss against Anderson Silva. Presented with an opponent with a distinct style, Jones consulted his coach, Greg Jackson.

Jon Jones coach advised him against fighting at UFC 151

UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping, on his YouTube channel, narrated the chaotic events that unfolded in the lead-up to UFC 151. The British fighter believed the 35-year-old champion’s coach saved him from “the biggest mistake of his career”.

Thus, ‘The Count’ said, “[Greg] Jackson told him that fighting Chael Sonnen on short notice would be the biggest mistake of his career. And on that advice. Jones refused the fight.”

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“With no alternative and no time to put on another main event, the event was canceled. The first ever UFC event in the ZUFA era to be called off. Jon Jones wouldn’t fight Chael Sonnen on him on a couple of weeks notice,” he added later on.

Expectedly, Jones’ decision received backlash from the promotion and fans alike. UFC president Dana White vehemently criticized the decision, and he labeled it as “one of the most selfish, disgusting decisions”. Similarly, the UFC head honcho called Jackson “a sport killer” for his call.

The Albuquerque resident then successfully defended his title against Vitor Belfort at UFC 152. Sonnen had his turn at the coveted UFC gold at UFC 159, but he was flatlined in the first round.

After racking up records in light heavyweight, and ending his three-year hiatus, Jones finally moved up to 265 lbs. He clinched the title after making quick work of Ciryl Gane at UFC 285.

After Dana White’s Confirmation That Jon Jones Disappeared, UFC Legend Questions the Champ Over His Statement: “He Just Didn’t Check His Texts?”

What do you think of these revelations by Michael Bisping that led to the cancellation of UFC 151? Do you believe Jon Jones would have marched to a victory against Chael Sonnen on short notice? Let us know in the comments below.

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