NEW YORK — UFC is replacing its canceled Conor McGregor fight for another rematch, Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier for the light heavyweight title at UFC 200.
UFC officials announced the replacement main event on Wednesday, several days after Jones beat Ovince Saint Preux by decision in his first fight since he had his title stripped in 2015.
The move solidifies the stance taken by the mixed martial arts giant and its president, Dana White, as McGregor tried to sidestep promotional commitments leading up to the event.
McGregor — a colorful star known for spectacular knockouts, drawing power and trash talk — declined to attend a news conference last week in Las Vegas to promote his rematch with Nate Diaz. McGregor stirred fans with several tweets, first saying he was retired, then explaining his desire to focus on training, then saying he was back on to fight at UFC 200.
White and the UFC officials debunked that with the Jones-Cormier announcement.
