Now that UFC on FOX 19 — which went down Saturday (April 16, 2016) in Tampa, Florida — is in the books (results here), it’s time to look ahead to Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) next pay-per-view (PPV) event.
And it’s a big one.
UFC 197 is set to to pop off on April 23, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada and will feature an interim Light Heavyweight title fight as former division champion, Jon Jones, faces off against Ovince Saint Preux in the headlining bout.
It’s a fight that came to fruition after current champ Daniel Cormier was forced out of his much-anticipated rematch against “Bones” with a knee injury (details here).
“OSP,” of course, jumped at the opportunity of a lifetime and stepped in on three weeks notice to challenge one of the best mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters of all time.
It’s a fight that can turn “OSP’s” fighting career in a completely different direction, as a win over “Bones” will do wonder for his careers. As for Jones, a win will not only give him an interim title, but also the chance to fight division champion and bitter rival, Daniel Cormier, for the real strap down the line.
In the co-main event scrap, Demetrious Johnson will defend his Flyweight belt for the eighth time against wrestling powerhouse Henry Cejudo. Plus, Anthony Pettis and Edson Barboza will collide in an intriguing Lightweight scrap.
Expect more promotional videos to be rolled out as event draws nearer. In the meantime, to check out the most up-to-date fight card click here.