Late on Friday, news broke that Daniel Cormier was out of his light heavyweight title defence against Jon Jones at UFC 197.
Initially, it was presumed the fight would be rescheduled with UFC 200 as a definite possibility.
Instead, Dana White went on Sportscenter last night and announced that Jones has a new opponent and that he will fight for the interim belt.
On three weeks notice, Ovince Saint Preux will face Jones.
White divulged on Sportscenter that Rumble Johnson had been first choice to face the former champion. However, he is currently injured.
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. But Anthony Johnson just had surgery on his mouth and can't even put a mouthpiece in for at least three weeks.
With that fight a non-starter, the UFC worked its way down to Jones vs Saint Preux, two fighters who have not previously fought.
Cormier, who has a leg injury, is going to be out of action for approximately six weeks. Despite the short recovery period, the UFC felt a fight for the interim belt was justified.
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.
