Jon Jones Still Fighting At UFC 197, Replacement Opponent Announced, News On Daniel Cormier
We reported last night that UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier had withdrawn from his planned fight with Jon Jones later this month at UFC 197. As it turns out, Jon Jones will remain on the card in an interim championship fight
Jones will take on #6-ranked 205-pounder Ovince St Preux at UFC 197, headlining the show over the UFC Flyweight Championship fight of Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson vs. Henry Cejudo. Bleacher Report's Jeremy Botter first reported the news.
See Also: Jon Jones And Daniel Cormier Throw Insults
I was told by someone close to Daniel Cormier's camp that he was actually injured a couple of weeks ago, but was waiting to see if he could continue training.
Dana White appeared on SportsCenter and said that the UFC originally wanted to book Jones against Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, but Johnson recently had surgery on his mouth and still can't put in a mouth guard.
Daniel Cormier said that he'll be back in 4-6 weeks and was not told about the interim championship.
Jones' decision to fight surprised many, as a few years ago he gained criticism for not accepting a replacement bout with Chael Sonnen. Jones posted on his Instagram, saying he owed his fans after the last year and would fight any heavyweight or light heavyweight.
Jones has also been in the middle of controversy of late, as is tradition. He was arrested this week for violating his probation when he was ticketed for drag racing, something Jones denies doing.
I figured this would put a few smiles on some faces today @UFC
A video posted by Jon Bones Jones (@jonnybones) on