A “leg injury” to UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has forced the postponement of one of the most highly-anticipated title fights in recent memory.
Officials announced on Tuesday that Jones will not be able to make a planned September 27 date with Daniel Cormier at UFC 178 for the belt. Instead, the fight will take place January 3 at UFC 182.
The new main event for UFC 178 will feature flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson and Chris Cariaso. That bout was originally booked for later this month as a co-main event to UFC 177.
Jones and Cormier heated up the level of interest around the fight between former standout wrestlers last week when they got into a scuffle during Ultimate Media Day. The physical altercation led to several verbal battles during following media events, including Jones making a “death threat” to the ex-Olympian.
Cormier replaced Alexander Gustafsson for the September fight after Gustafsson suffered an injury in training. Originally, “DC” was going to have surgery after his recent win over Dan Henderson to repair a knee issue himself.
Making an appearance on FOX Sports 1′s “America’s Pregame,” Cormier stated that Jones should have “toughed it out” and still taken the fight. Some reports are mentioning a torn meniscus and sprained ankle for Jones, to which Cormier currently has a partially torn ACL.
Cormier also received confirmation that he will not be passed over for Gustafsson, who should be cleared to return to training soon, from UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta.
Since tickets went on sale last week for the card, refunds will be offered to fans wishing to do so. Deadline for refunds is August 22.
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