Report: Jones vs. Smith targeted for UFC 235 in Las Vegas

Bloodyelbow.com

A trilogy bout between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier will have to wait.

Yesterday, TMZ Sports reported that Jones will defend his light heavyweight title against Anthony Smith at UFC 235 on March 2nd. The bout is expected to take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, but ‘Bones’ will have to apply for a license from the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) before being given clearance to fight.

This according to UFC president Dana White, who spoke to TMZ Sports on Saturday.

“Later this month, Jon Jones will file an application for licensure with the NSAC in order to compete at UFC 235 in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 2nd.”

”Provided that license is granted, Jones will be defending his Light Heavyweight title against Anthony Smith in a 5 round main event at the T-Mobile Arena.”

The NAC refused to license Jones for his light heavyweight title fight against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232 after it was revealed that Jones had tested positive for trace amounts of turinabol. The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) had ruled that Jones had committed no foul and the 31-year-old was later granted a license by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC). Jones went on to TKO Gustafsson at the Forum in Inglewood, California to claim the vacant light heavyweight title. The UFC moved the event from Nevada to Inglewood on just a week’s notice.

Jones’ opponent, Anthony Smith, is a top-three LHW contender and on a three-fight win streak. ‘Lionheart’ most recently submitted Volkan Oezdemir at UFC Fight Night 138. Following UFC 232, Smith told reporters that he wasn’t exactly ‘wowed’ by Jones’ performance against Gustafsson.

UFC 235, which is expected to feature Jones vs. Smith as the main event, takes place on March 2 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.