Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones (pictured) is once again hoarding all the MMA headlines, but for a change, this week it all has to do with fighting.
Jones returns to action for the first time in over 14 months to battle Ovince St. Preux at UFC 197. As we all know by now, the troubled Jones has been dealing with legal issues that cost him his title.
Jones was originally slated to challenge current champ Daniel Cormier on Saturday to reclaim his throne, but Cormier withdrew with an injury. In steps OSP, God bless him for taking on the most unstoppable force in MMA on short notice.
They will battle for the vacant light heavyweight interim title.
To help promote their impending shootout, the UFC released “Countdown to UFC 197” to help get the juices flowing.
Reigning UFC flyweight king Demetrious Johnson puts his buckle up for grabs against Henry Cejudo in UFC 197’s co-main event. The 125-pounders are also featured on Countdown.
MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada hosts the festivities.
Please click the media players below to watch the promo:
Jones vs. St. Preux
Johnson vs. Cejudo
Here is UFC 197’s official agenda:
Preliminary Card:
(UFC Fight Pass, 6:30PM ET/3:30PM PT)
Efrain Escudero vs. Kevin Lee
Clint Hester vs. Marcos Rogerio de Lima
(Fox Sports 1 8PM ET/5PM PT)
Glaico Franca vs. James Vick
Danny Roberts vs. Dominique Steele
Carla Esparza vs. Juliana Lima
Chris Kelades vs. Sergio Pettis
Main Card:
(Pay-Per-View 10PM ET/7PM PT)
Andre Fili vs. Yair Rodriguez
Rafael Natal vs. Robert Whittaker
Edson Barboza vs. Anthony Pettis
Henry Cejudo vs. Demetrious Johnson (UFC flyweight champion)
Ovince St. Preux vs. Jon Jones (for UFC interim light heavyweight title)