In amongst all of the McGregor madness of the past few days, it’s somewhat been forgotten that there is actually a UFC taking place this weekend. And yet, it’s actually somewhat appropriate that UFC 197 has been left overlooked by a fighters odd behaviour. After all, the man on top of the card knows a fair bit about having a rebellious streak. Welcome to the GetMoreSports UFC 197 preview.
It’s been a crazy year for Jon Jones. The former Light Heavyweight champion has faced national scrutiny, been stripped of his title, and spent a year on the sidelines as he faced the consequences of some questionable decisions.
Now though, with all of that supposedly behind him, it’s time for fans to focus on the best of Jon Jones. Namely, his phenomenal talent in the cage.
Initially poised to make his return against nemesis Daniel Cormier in a fight for the title he never lost, an injury to the champion means Jones will instead be facing number six ranked fighter Ovince St-Preux for the interim belt on Saturday night.
The interim belt aside, which was an odd implementation in the short absence of Cormier, the fight offers plenty of intrigue. Much has been made of Jones’s usage in his time off to improve his skills. Now, for the first time in his career, implementing serious weight training as well as a jiu-jitsu coach, Jones may actually have been able to use the time away to genuinely get better.
Considering his position in the pound for pound rankings before he disappeared, it’ll make for some spectacular viewing if he really has been able to increase his own ability.
It’s really just one question that brings in the viewers. How, after such a tumultuous lay off, will Jon Jones look?
In OSP, he has a game opponent, but one who has really shown to be a level or two below that of the former champion. St-Preux has so far come up short in his biggest challenges, specifically against Glover Teixeira and Ryan Bader. With a heavy left hand, and a knack to land a decent flurry, OSP could certainly prove to be dangerous early on, but should Jones decide to use his (vastly superior) wrestling ability, then it’s likely that early danger could quickly be negated.
Of course, Jones doesn’t like to win as easily as possible. A man obsessed with competition, Jones has shown repeatedly a knack for deliberately using his opponents own weapons and styles against them. He out-Sonnened Chael Sonnen. He out Glovered Glover Teixeira. Don’t be surprised when Jones fights southpaw just to prove he can do it better than St-Preux.
In the co-main event, we have the other man who stands atop pound-for-pound lists. While Demetrious Johnson may not bring in the casual viewer, those who appreciate phenomenal technique can’t keep their eyes away.
Johnson is currently the longest lasting champion in the UFC, and has yet to be really challenged. In his opponent Henry Cejudo, we find the last viable threat.
Cejudo, an olympic gold medalist in wrestling, was brought in with the air of someone groomed to face the champion. After four fights in the UFC (ten in his entire career), he finds himself in that spot already. Cejudo comes in unbeaten, with his last five wins coming via decisions.
Until now, part of Johnson’s success has been the fact that he has always had the better wrestling than his opponent. Should he ever want to, he can take it to the ground with relative ease. In Cejudo, it’ll be the first time that option may not be available to him. On the other hand, Cejudo has seemingly yet to really fulfil his potential in MMA, and the olympian fails to get the fight to the floor, it could still be an easy night for the champion.
UFC 197 takes place Saturday in Las Vegas, starting at 10pm in the East, and 7pm in the west.
Odds for the fight can be found here, and to read our preview for the preliminary bouts, click here.
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