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Jon Jones has confessed he could have fought Rashad Evans, but he opted to sort out an ongoing injury in order to prolong his career.
Jones pulled out of his maiden UFC light-heavyweight title defence against Evans on Monday, revealing a torn ligament in his hand. As a result, Phil Davis will step in at UFC 133 on August 6.
The 205lb champion admits he has persisted with the problem throughout his MMA career, and he could have done so against Evans, but he did not want to antagonise the injury and develop it into something more damaging in his career.
"[The torn tissue in my right hand in the area between my thumb and forefinger] is an injury that's been recurring since I was a college wrestler," Jones explained with Authentic Sport Management.
"It doesn't affect my punching or grappling, but I am taking the time and the proper measures to correct this now, so that it doesn't happen again.
"I look forward to getting back to training and to my first title defence. As for Rashad, let's see what happens with Phil Davis. I will be watching that fight with great interest."
Evans has already turned his focus to Davis, although he warned Jones that he will be waiting when the champion returns.
"I'm looking forward to fighting Phil Davis August 6th at UFC 133, he's a strong wrestler and a rising star in the light-heavyweight division," Evans said. "I wish Jon Jones a speedy recovery, he has something that belongs to me and when he's ready, I'll be waiting."