UFC 159 to host Jones vs. Sonnen title fight on April 27
The previously announced title fight between UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones (17-1 MMA, 11-1 UFC) and Chael Sonnen (27-12-1 MMA, 6-5 UFC) will headline UFC 159.
Officially previously announced the April 27 event date and location at Prudential Center in Newark, N.J.
Now, the event has an official name: "UFC 159: Jones vs. Sonnen."
The main card, including the Jones vs. Sonnen title fight, airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FX and Facebook. Currently, Jones vs. Sonnen is the only fight announced or rumored for the card.
Jones and Sonnen serve as coaches on the 17th edition of "The Ultimate Fighter," which debuts Jan. 22 on FX. Their fight coincides with the "TUF 17" conclusion, though it won't be part of the show's official finale event.
The New York-based Jones beat Mauricio "Shogun" Rua at UFC 128 in March 2011 to win the title in New Jersey. Since then, he has defended it with wins over Quinton "Rampage" Jackson at UFC 135, Lyoto Machida at UFC 140, Rashad Evans at UFC 145, and Vitor Belfort at UFC 152 in September.
Sonnen, meanwhile, suffered a July loss to middleweight champ Anderson Silva. A month later, he announced his intention to move up to the light-heavyweight division for a fight against former champ Forrest Griffin. But Sonnen pulled out of that fight when the UFC tapped him a "TUF 17" coach over other possibilities, including top contender Dan Henderson, and promised him an immediate title shot.
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