UFC 151 was a highly anticipated mixed martial arts (MMA) event that was scheduled to take place on September 1, 2012. However, the event never happened, and it goes down in history as the only UFC event ever to be cancelled. The cancellation of UFC 151 was a result of a series of unfortunate events and decisions that created a perfect storm of controversy and disappointment. In this article, we will delve into the story behind the cancellation of UFC 151 and explore the aftermath that followed.
The Main Event
The main event of UFC 151 was supposed to feature a light heavyweight championship fight between Jon Jones and Dan Henderson. Jones was the reigning champion and one of the brightest stars in the UFC at the time. Henderson, on the other hand, was a veteran fighter with an impressive record and a strong fan following. The fight had all the makings of an epic clash between two formidable opponents.
Henderson's Injury
Just a week before the scheduled event, news broke that Dan Henderson had suffered a knee injury during his training camp. The injury was serious enough to prevent him from competing against Jon Jones. This turn of events left the UFC with a major dilemma. They had to find a replacement fighter on short notice or risk cancelling the entire event.
The Offer to Chael Sonnen
In an attempt to salvage the main event, the UFC reached out to Chael Sonnen, a charismatic and controversial fighter who had recently moved up to the light heavyweight division. Sonnen, known for his trash-talking and ability to generate hype, agreed to step in and face Jon Jones. However, there was a catch.
Jon Jones' Refusal
Jon Jones, the reigning champion, refused to accept the fight against Chael Sonnen on such short notice. Jones and his team believed that Sonnen did not deserve a title shot and that it would be unfair to the other fighters in the division. This decision by Jones created a major setback for the UFC, as they now had to deal with the cancellation of their highly anticipated main event.
The Fallout
The cancellation of UFC 151 created a firestorm of criticism and disappointment from fans, fighters, and the media. Many fans who had purchased tickets and made travel arrangements were left frustrated and out of pocket. The fighters who were scheduled to compete on the undercard were also affected, as their opportunity to showcase their skills on a big stage was suddenly taken away.
Dana White's Anger
UFC president Dana White was particularly furious with Jon Jones and his refusal to take the fight against Chael Sonnen. White publicly criticized Jones, calling his decision "selfish" and "disgusting." The rift between Jones and the UFC escalated quickly, with both parties engaging in a public war of words.
Rescheduling and Repercussions
In the aftermath of the cancellation, the UFC was forced to regroup and find a way to move forward. A new main event was quickly arranged for UFC 152, featuring Jon Jones against Vitor Belfort. However, the damage had already been done, and the cancellation of UFC 151 left a lasting impact on the UFC's reputation.
Lessons Learned
The cancellation of UFC 151 served as a wake-up call for the UFC and its fighters. It highlighted the importance of professionalism, respect for the fans, and the need for fighters to be willing to step up and accept challenges, even on short notice. The incident also shed light on the power dynamics within the sport, with fighters like Jones realizing the leverage they have in negotiations.
The story of UFC 151 getting cancelled is a cautionary tale for the MMA world. It serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise from a series of unfortunate events and poor decision-making. The cancellation of UFC 151 had far-reaching effects on the fighters, the fans, and the reputation of the UFC. However, it also taught valuable lessons about the importance of adaptability, professionalism, and the need for fighters to be willing to take risks.
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