Jones defeated Cormier via unanimous decision in their first meeting at UFC 182. He was stripped of his title and indefinitely suspended by the promotion for fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run accident in Albuquerque, N.M., in April 2015 before being reinstated in September.
Cormier defeated Anthony Johnson via third-round guillotine choke at UFC 187 to capture the vacant light heavyweight strap. He then successfully defended the belt with a five-round split verdict against Alexander Gustafsson in the UFC 192 headliner this past October. Jones is the only blemish on Cormier’s resume in 18 career fights.
Jones, while showing off a new physique honed by diligent weight-room work, hinted at an April 23 date with Cormier as far back as November. The Jackson-Wink MMA standout has won 12 consecutive fights in the Octagon. He became the youngest champion in UFC history by vanquishing Mauricio Rua at UFC 128 in March 2011.