UFC 151 Canceled After Jon Jones Turns Down Chael Sonnen Fight

For the first time in the UFC's history in the Zuffa era, a pay-per-view card has been canceled.

UFC President Dana White today made the announcement during a special conference call with the media.

Dan Henderson was injured in training and suffered a tear of his MCL. He attempted to train through the injury and sought attention from doctors, but at the end of the day, he was unable to continue. 

On Wednesday night, the UFC offered the fight to Lyoto Machida, but Machida turned it down due to the short notice. The UFC then called Chael Sonnen, who accepted the fight and even told White he would fly to Vegas that night and fight Jones immediately.

As of Wednesday night, the UFC PR machine spun up and started working on advertising and commercials for the Jones vs. Sonnen fight. But then, according to White, the unthinkable happened: Jones turned down the fight with Sonnen, saying that he wouldn't take the fight on eight days notice. 

On the conference call, White was incredulous about Jones turning down the fight, saying that he's never had a world champion turn down a fight. White placed the blame squarely on Jones' coach Greg Jackson, saying that Jones' decision only came after Jackson advised him not to take the fight. 

"This is a selfish, disgusting decision. I don't think this is a decision that is going to make Jon Jones very popular," White said.

White also announced that Jones will face Machida in the new main event of the new UFC 151, which will take place later in September.