On Thursday Jon Jones got clearance to fight at UFC 197 after a traffic stop led to a probation violation. On Friday, Daniel Cormier pulled out of that event.
As first reported by BJPenn.com, and subsequently confirmed in follow up reports, Cormier has been forced out of the rematch with Jones due to injury, and it’s not clear how long he’ll be out of action.
The fight was slated to be a rematch of their UFC 182 bout for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship, won by Jones in a five round decision last January. Jones was stripped of the title due to his hit and run accident last April, and Cormier captured the belt in a win over Anthony “Rumble” Johnson before defending it in a close, competitive decision over Alexander Gustafsson last September.
The UFC hasn’t made any comment regarding UFC 197 and whether or not that card will move forward with its currently scheduled lineup.
Penick’s Analysis: Well, the UFC was in need of a major fight to help boost the UFC 200 card in July, and they’ve got a new front runner. This is a devastating blow to the UFC 197 card later this month, and it’s going to cost the UFC significantly on pay-per-view if the Demetrious Johnson-Henry Cejudo bout remains in the main event. That this is coming a day after there was fear of Jones causing the fight to fall through is some poetic irony.
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All these injuries for title fights is getting old already. I know these guys are in preparation mode and training hard, but is sucks for us fans. You would think the UFC would start making training precautions for fights or have a third fighter in full training mode just in case. Again, IDK what or how things go on behind the scense. I just no I was looking forward to this fight. I guess I save some $ then lol