Former UFC champion Jon Jones has opened as a heavy favorite against his new opponent, Ovince Saint Preux.
Jon Jones will not be returning against bitter rival and current UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier at UFC 197 later this month, but instead against top contender Ovince Saint Preux for the interim strap.
Only hours after the injury news was confirmed, MMA oddsmaker Nick Kalikas released the opening odds for the upcoming interim title fight.
Jones is a -675 favorite (bet $675 to win $100) and Saint Preux is a +450 underdog (bet $100 to win $450). (Odds via MMAOddsBreaker.com.)
“Ovince Saint Preux is one of the better rising contenders in the UFC light heavyweight division, but he’s biting off more than he can chew here,” Kalikas told ESPN. “You have to give credit to OSP for taking on Jon Jones in the UFC 197 main event on three week’s notice for the interim title, but his typical advantages disappear against Jones. Saint Preux will not have a reach advantage against jones, he won’t be able to muscle him around and Jones has proven to be as durable as any opponent Saint Preux has ever fought. Jones will be better than OSP everywhere except perhaps one-punch power so I’ll have to open Jones as a heavy -675 betting favorite despite the fact that he hasn’t fought in 15 months.”
Jones has been out of action since his unanimous decision title defense over Cormier in January of last year. Following an arrest later that year, he was stripped of his title and Cormier went on to capture the vacant title. His fight with Cormier was in jeopardy earlier this week due to a probation violation arrest, but ultimately he was allowed to compete later this month by a New Mexico judge.
Saint Preux most recently defeated Rafael Cavalcante by unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night 82 this past February. He injured his ankle early in the first round, but overcame the injury and went on to get the judges’ nod. The win over Feijao followed a submission loss to Glover Teixeira last August.
UFC 197 takes place live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 23. Also on the card, Demetrious Johnson defends his flyweight belt against Henry Cejudo.