Jon Jones’ return to the UFC now has an official date and location, as he’ll take on Daniel Cormier for a second time in the main event of UFC 197 on April 23 in Las Vegas.
The UFC officially announced the fight on Saturday night during the Fox Sports 1 broadcast for UFC Fight Night 82, and also revealed that Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson will defend his Flyweight Title against Henry Cejudo in the co-main event.
Jones’ return fight comes after a year-long saga that saw him disgraced, stripped of the title, and suspended following a hit and run accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico. After coming to a plea deal in that case, Jones has been on a redemption trail of sorts, and hopes it all culminates in regaining the title he never lost. In Jones’ absence, Cormier has proven himself to be the clear next best in the field, submitting Anthony “Rumble” Johnson to take the vacant title last year and defending that belt against Alexander Gustafsson in the fall.
Johnson is the only champion the 125 lb. division has yet had, capturing the inaugural belt in 2012 and defending it successfully seven times in a three year span. He’ll try to make it eight straight against Cejudo, the Olympic gold medalist wrestler who has won four straight in the UFC. His most recent, a split decision over Jussier Formiga, set him up for the title fight.
[Photo (c) Jayne Kamin-Oncea via USA Today Sports]
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