The UFC boss confirmed with Fox Sports on Friday that Cormier’s light heavyweight title defense against Jones will serve as the headliner for the July 29 event in Anaheim, Calif. White previously said that Jones wasn’t reliable enough to get a main event spot when he returns from his USADA-mandated suspension this summer.
However, White also has a backup plan in the event Jones isn’t able to make it to fight night.
“DC and Jon Jones will be the main event. I’m bringing in [Jimi] Manuwa to fight on the undercard there so if anything happens Jimi Manuwa will be ready to go and step in if that happens,” White said.
“I’ve said it a million times. I’m always worried about Jones. I’m gonna put Manuwa on this card to make sure that in Anaheim we have a fight.”
At the moment it is unclear who Manuwa might face at UFC 214. The British slugger has won three of his last four in the Octagon and lobbied hard for a title shot against Cormier following his first-round knockout of Corey Anderson in the UFC Fight Night 107 headliner on March 18.
Daniel Cormier vs. Jon Jones will be the main event at #UFC214 but Dana White also has a backup plan... @anezbitt explains. pic.twitter.com/wl79nJbGaw
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) May 13, 2017