Jon Jones’ return to the Octagon after more than a year away from the Octagon has been confirmed.
A light heavyweight championship rematch between Daniel Cormier and the former titleholder will headline UFC 197 on April 23 in Las Vegas.
Jones, who is still ranked as the pound-for-pound best in the world, has not fought since he successfully defended the 205lbs title with a unanimous decision against Cormier in January 2015.
‘Bones’ was then stripped of the belt in the lead up to a clash with Anthony Johnson in April last year and was suspended indefinitely
However, the 28-year-old, who is arguably the most talented fighter to grace the UFC, was reinstated by the promotion in October after he pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an accident.
Jones’ eight consecutive light heavyweight title defences is a record in the division. He will have the opportunity to take back the belt from Cormier who won the championship by submitting Johnson at UFC 187 in May.
He has defended the title once in Jones’ absence, by narrowly defeating Alexander Gustafsson by split decision in October.
In the co-main event, seven-time defending flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson will face Henry Cejudo, a US Olympic gold medallist in wrestling.
Johnson is coming off a unanimous decision win over John Dodson at UFC 191, while Cejudo remains undefeated in the UFC.