UFC 197 will not lose its main event after it was announced that Ovince Saint Preux will face Jon Jones for the interim light heavyweight title.
Defending champion, Daniel Cormier, was forced to pull out due top injury and posted this message to his followers on Instagram:
Initially there was talk the bout could be rescheduled to boost an already stacked card at UFC 200, considering that the recovery period is expected to be approximately six weeks, but Dana White instead moved to dispel any rumours last night on Sportscentre and announced that there would be an interim title up for grabs:
"Obviously, the No. 1 choice would be Anthony Johnson, who is the No. 2-ranked guy in the world and a fight that everybody wants to see" he said.
"But Anthony Johnson just had surgery on his mouth and can't even put a mouthpiece in for at least three weeks."
He confirmed that Ovince Saint Preux would take the fight instead on three weeks notice.
"Thing is, Jon has never lost his title in the Octagon. He was stripped of his title because of problems outside. We think it's the right thing to do. It's not his fault that Cormier is injured so. He will fight for the interim light heavyweight title. When Cormier comes back, they'll decide who the real champ is.
"The one thing we've learned in the 16 years in this business is you never know what's going to happen. Anything is possible when two guys get in there. Jon Jones and OSP have never faced off before. No. 1 versus No. 6. Two big, strong, athletic, explosive guys. Anything is possible."
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