Topics: Fan Reactions, UFC, Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, Dana White, MMA, Boxing
UFC fans think they may have figured out exactly why the organisation decided to make a last minute change to the gloves fighter's will wear at UFC 309.
On Saturday night, UFC legend Jon Jones returns to the octagon to defend his heavyweight title against former champion and fellow icon of the sport Stipe Miocic.
Ahead of the UFC card, the organisation made an official announcement on Wednesday to confirm that all fighters would be wearing the old UFC gloves instead of the new design brought into the sport in earlier this year.
And once the news was confirmed, fight fans took to social media to share a conspiracy theory that would explain exactly why this decision was made.
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The new gloves were designed to minimise the possibility of abrasions and cuts, while foam was added to provide maximum flexibility and impact-absorbing protection, according to the UFC.
Despite this, they received a mix reception from fighters, including Jones who has been outspoken about his frustrations about the new design, leading to some fans suggesting that he convinced CEO and President Dana White to make the change for the event.
Reacting to a clip of Jones, one fan wrote: "Proof Dana would do anything for him."
Another agreed, writing: "Dana White will do anything for Jones."
While another simply wrote: "Dana's favourite fighter."
And a concerned fan noted: "I have a funny feeling Dana pulled the new gloves from UFC 309 because his baby boy didn't like them."
Since Jones made his return to the UFC in March last year, White has been outspoken about his admiration for the American fighter, labelling him the greatest of all time and the number one current pound for pound fighter.
Therefore, when the heavyweight champion made his feelings about the new gloves known, it is possible that it influenced White's decision to bring back the old ones instead.
Speaking about the new design after the decision to bring back the old gloves was confirmed, Jones said: "They were very uncomfortable for me and I was actually really stressed thinking about how I'm going into fight week wearing these gloves that I don't even want to train in?
"[The UFC] said, 'Everyone on this card are veterans, why put a bunch of vets in the new glove? Let's give you guys all what you're used to'."
