Preview: UFC 197 ‘Jones vs. St. Preux’

All eyes will be on Jon Jones, as the former Ultimate Fighting Championship titleholder returns to the Octagon for the first time since unlawful behavior outside the cage led to his being stripped of his crown. Jones will face Ovince St. Preux — he replaces the injured Daniel Cormier on short notice — for the interim 205-pound championship in the UFC 197 main event on Saturday at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. In the co-headliner, flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson risks his title against unbeaten Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo in a five-round clash at 125 pounds. Intriguing bouts dot the rest of the main card, as onetime lightweight titlist Anthony Pettis meets Edson Barboza, “The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes” winner Robert Whittaker confronts Rafael Natal and Team Alpha Male’s Andre Fili battles Yair Rodriguez. Let us take a closer look at each UFC 197 “Jones vs. St. Preux” matchup, with analysis and picks:UFC Interim Light Heavyweight Championship Jon Jones (21-1) vs. Ovince St. Preux (19-7)THE MATCHUP: St. Preux is not the ideal replacement for Cormier, but he is certainly an interesting opponent for Jones and offers the best light heavyweight on the planet an unprecedented challenge. St. Preux is a violently explosive fighter. His left hand and left kick both come with stunning quickness and power. St. Preux …

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