Machida (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

With Jon Jones likely on the sidelines due to injury, the UFC is reportedly taking further steps to lock up a bout between light-heavyweight contenders Lyoto Machida and Dan Henderson.

Although the UFC is still working on a timetable for the fight, according to a report from MMA Junkie, UFC President Dana White reiterated today in England that the bout is likely.

While Henderson (29-8) was forced to withdraw from a scheduled September 1st fight with Jones due to a knee injury, the legendary fighter did not require surgery and could be back relatively soon. The 42 year-old-fighter hasn’t fought since last November when he earned a unanimous decision win over “Shogun” Rua.

Machida (18-3), on the other hand, turned down an opportunity to rematch Jones at UFC 152. As a result, the former champion has evidently lost the title shot he secured this summer, by knocking out Ryan Bader in highlight reel fashion.

Machida was choked unconscious by Jones at their first meeting last December.

The aforementioned light-heavyweight champ ended up fighting Vitor Belfort at UFC 152 as a result of Machida’s decision. Although Jones tapped out the veteran with a second round Americana, his arm was injured by an armbar attempt from Belfort in the opening frame.

There’s been no word yet as to the extent of Jones’s injury.