UFC 151 is canceled and Lyoto faces Jon Jones at UFC 152

Jones denied fighting Sonnen at UFC 151 and faces Lyoto at UFC 152 – Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Zuffa LLC

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What was just one rumor was confirmed this Thursday afternoon (23) by UFC president, Dana White. The North American Dan Henderson suffered a knee injury during training and will not be able to face Jon Jones for the light heavyweight belt at UFC 151, September 1st. As the time to find an opponent was short, the organization took an unprecedented decision and canceled the show's entire fight program.

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“This is probably one of my all-time lows in the UFC,” said Dana White, in an official statement. “For the first time in 11 years, we are canceling an event. Dan Henderson has a partial rupture of the knee ligament and cannot fight”, added the leader, who stated that only Chael Sonnen, agreed to face Jon Jones There were only eight left for the confrontation, but the champion rejected the fight due to the change of opponent being at the last minute.

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The organization did not inform how tickets and PPV packages already purchased for the event will be returned.

Lyoto fights for the belt
On the other hand, the one who wins his new opportunity to compete for the division title is the Brazilian Lyoto Machida, who will be the next challenger of Jon Jones. The duel will take place at UFC 152, on September 22, in Toronto, Canada.

“This fight (Jones against Hendo) is cancelled. Now we will have Jon Jones against Lyoto Machida, at UFC 152, September 22nd in Toronto, Canada”, said Dana, ending the statement clearly disturbed by the cancellation of UFC 151.