Jon Jones is still aching after his UFC 165 bout with Alexander Gustafsson

The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) expected Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones to defend his title against Glover Teixeira to fight on the Superbowl weekend show, UFC 169 at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. It would be Jones' first bout after his war with Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165.

Unfortunately, because of the brutal nature of the Gustafsson bout, Jones needed some extra time on the sidelines for some rest and relaxation to heal up those aches and pains from the fight..

Jones spoke with Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie and detailed the reasons for putting off the bout with Teixeira. While the nagging injuries came up, it was actually the opportunity to spend the holidays in New York with his family that played into his decision.

"The reason why I didn't take the fight (in February) is because I don't feel my body is ready for a training camp. I wanted to be there for the fans, I wanted to be there for the UFC - but in order for me to do that, I need to listen to my body and come prepared to compete, and that's being healthy."

"I've spent the last three Christmases in Albuquerque, and I really want to just be with my family back in New York state and let my kids see Christmas the way it's supposed to be. That's a big reason why I kind of delayed that next fight until March."

With the UFC running events almost weekly, it's understandable why a fighter like Jones would want to take some time off and spend time around the holidays with family. The worst thing would be watching everyone enjoy eating a huge home cooked meal while trying to diet down to 205 pounds.

Jones is expected to face Teixeira in March upon his return to training.