Jon Jones accepts full responsibility of UFC 151 cancellation – UFC News
UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has taken full responsibility of UFC 151 card cancellation. After being blamed by fellow fighters and UFC president Dana White, Jones humbly apologized to those who were fighting the undercard.
“(I'm) carrying the cross for my company's decision. If someone has to take the blame, I will accept full responsibility for the way UFC 151 was canceled. I want to sincerely apologize to all the other athletes/fans who's (sic) time and money was waisted
(sic). I feel terrible about the way that was handled,” read Jones’ Tweet.
In an interview with MMAJukie.com, Jones revealed that he is usually not bothered with criticism but he feels the need of standing by his decision this time. According to Jones, when you are famous, you are criticised a lot. However, he adds, he will only
do whatever makes him happy.
“The criticism does bother me, but I have to stand by my decision. I have to be the man that I am. With such large audiences comes great criticism. There will be a lot of scrutiny, but I've got to do what makes me happy and feels right to me. At the end
of the day, I have to make the best choice for me and my family.”
Jones was scheduled to fight Dan Henderson at UFC 151 which was scheduled for September 1, 2012. However, after Henderson suffered a grave injury to his leg, he was compromised for the show. Dana White immediately called up Chael Sonnen ‘The American Gangster’
to replace Henderson. However, to White’s dismay, Jones declined the offer.
Sonnen, who will be making his comeback to the light heavyweight division, was already in search of a title shot. Upon White’s request to replace Henderson, Sonnen was excited enough to make a personal call to Jones. Yet, the champion refused the offer saying
he cannot fight Sonnen with just an 8-day notice.
With Jones’ refusal, Dana White was left with no option but to cancel the fight card, something he has never done in eleven years of his career. For now, White feels embarrassed and Jones feels responsible and so they both have apologised to the fans.
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