All signs point to Jon Jones defending his UFC light heavyweight title for the first time at UFC 135 in Denver on September 24.
UFC president Dana White confirmed UFC 135’s date and location to MMAJunkie.com on Thursday following the press conference for UFC 131.
White also stated that the main event fight, Jones versus Jackson, hinges on doctors giving the go ahead to Jon Jones, “Doctors have got to say his hand is OK, and he’s got to get in the gym and prove it,” White said.
Jones has not fought since taking the UFC title from Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 128 in March. Jones dominated Rua throughout the fight, earning the victory via TKO at the 2:37 mark of Round 3.
After the fight it was revealed that Jones would meet Rashad Evans in his first title defense, but a hand injury led to that fight being scrapped. The injury also lead to a great deal of trash talk from Evans, setting up a future grudge match between the two fighters.
Jackson is coming off a three-round unanimous decision win over Matt Hamill at UFC 130. Following the fight Jackson revealed that he had fought with a damaged hand. The Nevada State Athletic Commission handed Jackson a six-month medical suspension following the fight. That suspension can be shortened with doctor approval.
It appears that Jacksons’ hand will be a non-issue in getting the Jones versus Jackson fight booked.
Jones’ manager told MMAJunkie, “His hand feels fine, so tomorrow it should be cleared.”
Jones has already begun trash talking his opponent as can be seen in the below video, where he offers his take on Rampage’s post-UFC 130 interview with MMA H.E.A.T reporter Karyn Bryant.
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