Daniel Cormier won’t get his second shot to harpoon his white whale at UFC 197, but he vows to be back very soon.
The undisputed light heavyweight belt holder was forced to pull out of his scheduled bout with Jon Jones on April 23 after sustaining an injury in training.
Following his withdrawal, several names were linked to stepping in to fight Jones including the likes of Anthony Johnson, Rashad Evans, Mark Hunt and even Matt Hammil, the only man to ever score a victory (by default) over Jones inside the Octagon threw his hat into the ring.
However, Dana White announced on Sports Center on Saturday night that number six-ranked light heavyweight Ovince Saint-Preux would be filling the Cormier-shaped void in the headline bout.
Big thanks to the @ufc for this incredible opportunity. One question: You down with #OSP? #UFC197 @KnoxMma #RQQ #VFL pic.twitter.com/jMsfrWiu30
— Ovince Saint Preux (@003_OSP) April 3, 2016
Cormier, who lost a competitive unanimous decision to Jones at UFC 182, was clearly upset about not getting his chance to take on his greatest rival through injury as he took to Instagram to apologise to the fans.
The recovery should not take very long, you say? UFC 200, anyone?