Just minutes before the Octagon was to make its live return to FOX, Dana White had Georgia on his mind. On Saturday evening, the UFC president confirmed light heavyweight king Jon Jones (Pictured) will defend his crown at UFC 145 in Atlanta.
“Fans in Atlanta have been tweeting me and telling me over and over again to bring the UFC back to their city,” said White. “Well guess what Atlanta? The UFC is coming back to Atlanta with the sport’s fastest-rising star, Jon Jones, defending his light heavyweight title!”
The organization previously reported the April 21st card earlier this month, but it wasn’t until this evening that Philips Arena in Hotlanta was announced to serve as host.
Jones’ opponent will depend upon on what takes place tonight at “UFC on FOX.” If Rashad Evans manages to hand Phil Davis his first professional blemish in the card’s featured contest, White has promised Evans next dibs at his mortal enemy.
If Davis can bump his record to a perfect 10-0, it’s possible former Strikeforce 205-pound champ Dan Henderson could earn the nod. White has continued to take a “we’ll see” approach in handing a victorious Davis a title shot.
Here is the card’s updated roster:
Keith Wisniewski vs. Chris Clements
Maximo Blanco vs. Marcus Brimage
Mac Danzig vs. Efrain Escudero
Anthony Njokuani vs. John Makdessi
Matt Wiman vs. Mark Bocek
Ben Rothwell vs. Brendan Schaub
Miguel Torres vs. Michael McDonald
Mark Hominick vs. Eddie Yagin
Travis Browne vs. Chad Griggs
Rory MacDonald vs. Che Mills
Jon Jones (UFC Light Heavyweight Champion) vs. TBD