Daniel Cormier

By FCF Staff

The UFC has elected to put up an interim light-heavyweight title at UFC 197, but the champ Daniel Cormier isn’t expecting to be sidelined for too long.

On Friday it was reported that Cormier was pulling out of his April 23rd bout with Jon Jones due to injury. Then on Saturday, the promotion confirmed that Jones is going to face Ovince Saint Preux as a result, and that it will be for the interim belt.

Cormier, who has an injury to the interosseous membrane in his left leg, has relayed the following on Instagram.

The decision to not fight on April 23rd was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make. I’ve been scheduled to fight 18 times and I have made that walk every time. I want to apologize to Jon Jones, Lorenzo Fertitta, Dana White and all of the UFC fans for not being able to defend my title. This truly saddens me, but as with everything else in life, it goes on. The recovery should not take very long and I can’t wait to compete and defend my title again. For all the fans, thanks for your support, I appreciate each and every one of you. DC

Cormier is coming off a decision win over Alexander Gustafsson in October.