With Jose Aldo expected to defend the UFC featherweight title in Brazil on June 23rd, there is still no confirmation as to who will headline UFC 149 at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta.
The UFC will embark on their first trip to Calgary and the company hopes to feature a star-studded event.
Director of Operations for UFC Canada Tom Wright believes it is beneficial for the UFC to advertise a strong card on July 21, and he believes a title bout involving Jon Jones and Dan Henderson could just be the right matchup.
“I think it’s really important (to have a marquee bout). It demonstrates we have an understanding and a respect for how knowledgeable the fight fans are in Alberta, and how important this market is to our business,” Wright told The Toronto Sun.
“Having Jon Jones defend his championship in Calgary against Dan Henderson—that would be a monster fight.”
The UFC has already scheduled a few bouts for the event, pitting former UFC interim heavyweight champion Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira against Cheick Kongo, as well as Calgary native Nick Ring competing against Court McGee.
Jones is fresh after recently defeating Rashad Evans at UFC 145, while Henderson has held out for a title shot since his win over Mauricio “Shogun” Rua at UFC 139 last November.
And with notable champions like Anderson Silva and Junior dos Santos already booked for their respective title fights this summer, the 24-year-old Jones would be the only other champion available to compete. Considering UFC 145’s gate attendance, the UFC light heavyweight champion’s presence would definitely add some value to the event.
Should the bout become finalized, this will be Jones’ second title defense in only three months and his fourth title defense overall.
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