A rematch that actually makes sense is in line to become UFC 200’s headline act.
The landmark event was originally supposed to feature a welterweight do-over bout between Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz. However, with the Notorious beefing with the UFC, Dana White announced that the featherweight champion would not be competing on July 9 and the card needs a new headliner.
Well, arguably the next biggest star in the UFC may be available. Jon Jones made his return to the Octagon on Saturday night, defeating Ovince Saint Preux to win the interim light heavyweight strap in UFC 197’s main event.
Jones was originally scheduled to take on the man who succeeded him as champion without actually beating him on Saturday, but a leg injury forced Cormier to pull out. Shortly after Jones’ victory over OSP though, DC had a proposition for his mortal enemy.
Daniel Cormier has a message for @JonnyBones and #UFC200 https://t.co/aHTv8lQT5k
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) April 24, 2016
It appears as though the UFC are in agreement, they see Jones v Cormier II as a contender to be UFC 200’s new headliner. ESPN’s Brett Okamoto spoke to Dana White after the event and the president confirmed their interest in booking Jones and Cormier again for the huge July card.
Dana White tells me if Jon Jones is healthy and Daniel Cormier is cleared on an MRI on Monday, they will headline 200.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) April 24, 2016
So DC says fight is on if he gets clean MRI. Jones says he "wants to fight at 200." White says if they're healthy, it's possible.
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) April 24, 2016
Jones and Cormier slugged it out once before at UFC 182. On that occasion, Jones won via closely contested unanimous decision to Jones, but had his belt revoked shortly after for his involvement in a hit-and-run in which a pregnant woman broke her arm.
