Jon Jones Toe Injury: UFC 159 Break and Long-Term Impact
Jon Jones broke his toe during UFC 159 in April 2013 while fighting Chael Sonnen. Since then, he tapes his toe for every practice and fight to prevent reinjury.
The Infamous Jon Jones Toe Injury at UFC 159
Jon Jones, one of the most dominant champions in UFC history, suffered a gruesome toe injury during his light heavyweight title defense against Chael Sonnen at UFC 159 in April 2013. This incident has become one of the most memorable injuries in UFC history, not just for its graphic nature but also for the circumstances surrounding it.
How the Injury Occurred
The injury happened during the first round of their championship bout. Around the 2:40 mark of the opening round, Jones attempted a takedown that Sonnen defended. As Jones planted his foot on the canvas, his big toe on his left foot caught the mat at an awkward angle. The friction from the canvas essentially tore his toe apart, resulting in what appeared to be a complete dislocation of his big toe.
What made this injury particularly notable was that Jones didn’t even notice it had happened. Riding high on adrenaline, he continued fighting and secured a first-round TKO victory over Sonnen. It wasn’t until his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan that the injury was discovered. As Jones celebrated his victory, Rogan pointed out the gruesome state of his toe, which was nearly hanging off his foot.
“I was supposed to go to Jamaica after this,” Jones lamented during his interview. “That’s not gonna happen.”
Medical Assessment of the Injury
Initially, many viewers and commentators assumed Jones had suffered a break. However, medical professionals later clarified the nature of the injury. On an episode of UFC Tonight, orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert Klapper explained that Jones had actually experienced a dislocation rather than a break. This distinction was important for his recovery timeline.
The injury was officially diagnosed as an open fracture dislocation of his left big toe. This meant that not only was the toe dislocated from its joint, but the skin had also been broken, creating an open wound that increased the risk of infection.
Jon Jones’ Recovery Process
Following the injury, Jones faced a recovery period that would keep him out of action temporarily but fortunately wouldn’t end his career as some initially feared.
Initial Treatment and Timeline
Immediately after the fight, Jones received medical attention for his toe. The injury required careful treatment to prevent infection and ensure proper healing of both the bone alignment and the skin.
On May 7, 2013, just over a week after the injury occurred, Jones shared positive news about his recovery. “Loving my new heavy duty boot. Great news from the doctors today,” Jones tweeted. “The alignment of my bones is healing spot-on, and the skin is closing with no infections.”
Jones was fitted with a medical boot to immobilize his foot during the healing process. This standard procedure for such injuries helps ensure that the bones remain properly aligned while the surrounding tissues heal.
Expected Recovery Time
According to medical experts, including Dr. Klapper, the expected recovery time for Jones’ type of injury was approximately six to eight weeks. This timeline assumed no complications such as infections or issues with bone alignment.
Despite the graphic nature of the injury, Jones was fortunate that it didn’t cause any permanent damage. The injury was primarily superficial, affecting the soft tissues and the joint rather than causing complex fractures that might have required surgical intervention with pins or screws.
Long-Term Impact and Preventative Measures
While Jones recovered successfully from his toe injury, it has had lasting effects on his preparation and fighting style.
Jones’ Toe-Taping Ritual
Since the injury in 2013, Jones has developed a ritual of taping his toe for every training session and fight. This preventative measure has become an essential part of his preparation.
“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,” Jones has explained. He further added, “The toe is totally fine, but every once in a while, if I pivoted 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 taping ritual became particularly notable at UFC 285 in March 2023, when Jones was making his heavyweight debut against Ciryl Gane.
The UFC 285 Tape Controversy
As Jones was about to enter the octagon for his heavyweight title fight against Gane, Nevada Athletic Commission officials stopped him due to the excessive amount of tape on his foot. This created a brief but tense moment as officials required him to remove most of the tape, leaving only enough to protect his toe.
Jones later explained the situation: “I used different tape. I usually use a certain brand of tape. I’ll give them a shoutout, War Tape. I feel like it’s just 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.”
He had created what he described as “almost like a little cast” around his toe that extended to the middle of his foot to prevent the tape from sliding off. When commission officials told him he couldn’t tape his feet to that extent, Jones was visibly frustrated.
Following this incident, Jones made his position clear: “I’m not going to compete unless I can tape my toes. I just won’t do it. I want everyone to know that for the future.”
Recent Concerns About Jones’ Toe Injury
As Jon Jones continues his career, his old toe injury occasionally becomes a topic of discussion, particularly when preparing for important fights.
Speculation Ahead of UFC 309
In November 2024, as Jones prepared for his heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309, concerns about his toe resurfaced. Training footage showed Jones with a bandage wrapped around his big toe, sparking speculation about his physical condition heading into the fight.
Fans and analysts noted that the bandaged toe was the same one injured at UFC 159 – his left big toe. This observation led to questions about whether Jones might be dealing with a recurrence of his old injury and how it might affect his performance against Miocic.
Some speculated that a compromised toe could limit Jones’ kicking ability, potentially giving Miocic an advantage in their championship bout. Given that this was Jones’ first heavyweight title defense and potentially his last fight, the stakes were particularly high.
Potential Impact on Fighting Style
Throughout his career, Jones has been known for his creative striking, which includes a diverse arsenal of kicks. Any limitation to his kicking ability due to toe issues could potentially impact his fighting style and effectiveness.
The concern is that if Jones cannot fully pivot on his left foot without risking pain or reinjury, he might be forced to modify his approach. This could mean relying more heavily on his boxing and wrestling, potentially making him more predictable against a seasoned veteran like Miocic.
What Could Have Happened at UFC 159
One of the most interesting aspects of Jones’ toe injury at UFC 159 is what might have happened had the fight continued longer.
The Potential Title Loss Scenario
Had Jones not finished Sonnen in the first round, the outcome of the fight and his championship reign might have taken a drastically different turn. According to standard MMA rules, if a fighter cannot continue due to an injury, regardless of whether it was caused by their opponent or occurred accidentally, they can lose via technical decision or doctor’s stoppage.
Given the severity of Jones’ toe injury, it’s highly likely that had the fight continued to the second round, the cage-side physician would have noticed the injury and stopped the fight. This would have resulted in Jones losing his title in what would have been one of the most controversial upsets in UFC history.
This scenario makes Jones’ first-round victory over Sonnen even more significant in retrospect. By finishing the fight quickly, he not only defended his title but also potentially saved himself from losing it due to the injury.
Medical Protocol for Such Injuries
In MMA competitions, the health and safety of fighters are paramount. When injuries like Jones’ occur, medical professionals must make quick decisions about whether a fighter can continue.
For open fractures or dislocations where bone is exposed, the standard protocol is to stop the fight immediately due to the high risk of infection and further damage. The fact that Jones’ injury wasn’t noticed until after the fight was over was a stroke of luck for the champion.
Had the injury been spotted during the fight, medical staff would have been obligated to examine it, and given its severity, they almost certainly would have advised stopping the contest.
The Significance of Jones’ Toe Injury in UFC History
Jon Jones’ toe injury has earned its place in UFC lore for several reasons beyond just its graphic nature.
A Testament to Fighter Toughness
The fact that Jones continued fighting without even noticing such a severe injury speaks volumes about the adrenaline surge fighters experience during competition and the extraordinary toughness required in combat sports.
This incident has become a prime example of how fighters can push through extreme physical trauma in the heat of battle. Jones not only continued fighting but did so effectively enough to finish his opponent, all while his toe was essentially detached from his foot.
A Near-Miss in Championship History
As discussed earlier, had the fight gone longer, Jones might have lost his title due to the injury. This near-miss represents one of the most interesting “what if” scenarios in UFC championship history.
At the time of the Sonnen fight, Jones was working on establishing himself as one of the greatest champions in UFC history. A loss due to injury would have interrupted his title reign and potentially altered the trajectory of his career. The fact that he managed to finish the fight before the injury was discovered preserved his championship status and allowed him to continue building his legacy.
Lessons from Jones’ Injury for Other Fighters
The Jones toe injury case provides several valuable lessons for other combat sports athletes.
The Importance of Proper Foot Protection
Jones’ experience highlights the importance of proper foot protection during training and competition. While MMA fighters compete barefoot, many now take preventative measures during training, including taping vulnerable joints and using protective footwear when appropriate.
Jones’ commitment to taping his toe for every training session and fight demonstrates how seriously professional fighters take injury prevention, especially after experiencing a significant injury.
Injury Awareness During Competition
Another lesson from Jones’ experience is the importance of injury awareness during competition. While the adrenaline of a fight can mask pain, being aware of potential injuries can prevent further damage.
Coaches and corner people play a crucial role in this aspect, as they may notice injuries that the fighter doesn’t feel in the moment. Having trained eyes watching for potential issues can help prevent minor injuries from becoming career-threatening ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Jon Jones break his toe?
Jon Jones injured his toe during his fight against Chael Sonnen at UFC 159 in April 2013. The injury occurred in the first round when Jones planted his foot awkwardly while attempting a takedown.
Was Jon Jones’ toe broken or dislocated?
According to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert Klapper, who discussed the injury on UFC Tonight, Jones suffered a dislocation rather than a break. The official diagnosis was an open fracture dislocation of his left big toe.
How long did it take Jon Jones to recover from his toe injury?
Medical experts estimated a recovery time of six to eight weeks for Jones’ toe injury. Jones himself reported positive progress about a week after the injury, noting that his bones were healing properly and the skin was closing without infection.
Why does Jon Jones tape his toes before fights?
Jones tapes his toes before every practice and fight as a preventative measure following his 2013 injury. He has stated that occasionally, if he pivots too hard on his previously injured toe, it causes extreme pain, so the taping helps keep the toe stable.
Could Jon Jones have lost his title due to the toe injury?
Yes, had the fight with Sonnen continued beyond the first round, it’s likely that medical staff would have noticed Jones’ injury and stopped the fight. Under MMA rules, this could have resulted in Jones losing his title via technical decision or doctor’s stoppage, regardless of how dominant he had been in the fight.
Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies
