Jon Jones recently stirred curiosity among fans with a training video he shared on Instagram, showing his intense preparation for the highly anticipated UFC 309 fight against Stipe Miocic. The footage showcased his signature precision and agility, but one detail caught everyone’s attention: his taped toe. This subtle yet significant observation reignited discussions about an old injury and its potential impact on the fight. Could this bandage be an indication of lingering issues, or is it just a precautionary measure? Let’s dive into the history of Jon Jones’ toe injury and understand its relevance in his UFC journey.

–The Origin of Jon Jones’ Broken Toe

Jones’ infamous toe injury dates back to April 2013 during his bout against Chael Sonnen at **UFC 159**. In the heat of the match, Jones was so focused that he didn’t realize the bone in his big toe had snapped until Joe Rogan pointed it out afterward. This injury, though gruesome, didn’t hinder his performance at the time. However, it left a lasting mark.

Since then, Jones has made toe taping a routine—during both training and fights. He explains,

“I broke my toe when I fought Chael Sonnen years ago, and ever since then, every day at practice, I tape my toe just to ensure that it doesn’t pop out. The toe is totally fine, but every once in a while, if I pivot on it too hard, it sends the most excruciating pain up my body. And I just never want to compete without my toe taped again.”*

This consistent practice became evident once more in his recent training video, leading fans to speculate whether the injury could affect his performance in his first-ever heavyweight title defense. But Jones has always shown resilience, adapting to challenges both in and out of the Octagon.

The Tape Controversy at UFC 285

The significance of Jones’ taped toe became a topic of debate during **UFC 285** when he faced Ciryl Gane. As he approached the Octagon, Nevada Athletic Commission officials halted him, citing excessive tape on his foot. This incident, captured on camera, revealed Jones’ visible frustration as he was forced to cut down the tape, leaving only enough to secure his injured toe.

Jones later recounted the ordeal during the post-fight press conference:

“I used a different brand of tape tonight. Usually, I go with War Tape, which is a lot stickier. But tonight, I used UFC’s tape, and once I started sweating, the tape began sliding. I had created a small cast-like structure linking my toe to the middle of my foot to prevent it from slipping off. But the commission told me I couldn’t have it taped like that.”*

Despite the inconvenience, Jones remained steadfast, delivering a stellar performance and securing a win via submission. However, he issued a clear warning for the future:

“I’m not going to compete unless I can tape my toes. I just won’t do it. Thank God we didn’t have a disaster out there tonight.”*

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As Jon Jones prepares for his heavyweight showdown at UFC 309, the story of his taped toe adds another layer to his illustrious career. While it started as a necessity due to injury, it has since become a ritual that ensures his continued dominance in the Octagon. Fans eagerly await his upcoming fight, curious to see how the legend overcomes yet another challenge.

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