JON JONES almost sensationally called off his spectacular UFC return last year SECONDS before entering the octagon.
The former long-reigning light-heavyweight champion returned from a three-year layoff at UFC 285 last March to vie for the heavyweight title.
Jones dispatched Frenchman Ciryl Gane in a mere 124 seconds to become a two-division champion and further solidly his legacy as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.
But he almost pulled the plug on his eagerly-anticipated return a matter of minutes before submitting Gane.
Jones, 37, was delayed getting into the octagon by a member of the Nevada State Athletic Commission, who took umbrage with the way he’d taped up his left big toe.
The former pound-for-pound king created a “little cast” with the UFC’s tape as he couldn’t use his own.
The NSAC representative wanted Jones to remove the tape, which he’s worn since gruesomely breaking his toe in his clash with Chael Sonnen in April 2013, from around his foot.
Jones fiercely argued that he’s always taped his toe and foot that way since the injury, to the point that he almost called off the bout.
When asked what the issue was with his tape, he said: ” I used a different tape.
“I usually use a certain brand of tape. I’ll give them a shoutout, War Tape.
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The UFC makes it's annual visit to New York City on November 16 for another blockbuster pay-per-view card.
UFC 309 will take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, which provided some unforgettable moments since mixed martial arts was legalised in New York state in 2016.
Topping the bill at the ‘World’s Most Famous Arena’ is the eagerly-anticipated heavyweight title fight between champion Jon Jones and former titleholder Stipe Miocic.
And in the co-main event of the evening, Michael Chandler will throw down with former lightweight champion and fellow fan favourite Charles Oliveira.
UFC 309 is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated cards of what has been another massive year for MMA’s top promotion.
And fans in the UK and Ireland can watch all the action from what promises to be an incredible night at MSG live on TNT Sports Box Office.
The penultimate pay-per-view card of the year will be available to purchase for a mere £19.99.
UFC 309 will also be available to buy on Discovery+, EE TV, Prime Video, Virgin Media TV and Sky Sports.
And fight fans don’t need to subscribe to TNT Sports to buy the star-studded event.
Watch UFC 309: Jones v Miocic exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 1am on Saturday 16 November.
For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice
“I feel like it’s a lot stickier. I used the UFC’s tape tonight and as soon as my body started to sweat, the tape was sliding all over the place.
“So I made almost like a little cast around my toe that linked down to the middle of my foot so that the tape wouldn’t slide off my toes.
“And when I got out there, the commission was like, ‘You can’t tape your feet.’
“And I’m like, ‘Dude, I’ve always taped my feet. I’m not going to compete if I can’t tape my toes. I just won’t do it.’
“I want everyone to know that in the future. Thank God we didn’t have a disaster out there tonight.”
Half of Famer Jones returns to the octagon early on Sunday morning in the main event of UFC 309 in New York, where he’ll defend his heavyweight crown against Stipe Miocic.
And the MMA icon has, for the last year, repeatedly hinted the fight could be his swansong.
Watch UFC 309: Jones v Miocic exclusively live on TNT Sports Box Office from 1am on Saturday 16 November.
For more info visit: tntsports.co.uk/boxoffice
