UFC 159 is set to feature the TUF 17 coaches Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen. Jones, the Light Heavyweight champ, drew the ire of fans and Chael alike when he declined this exact fight on short notice back in August. Instead he defended his title against Vitor Belfort at UFC 152. About, a month later, UFC president Dana White announced the Jones would indeed face the former Middleweight contender after appearing as coaches in the reality series.
Wednesday afternoon Brett Okamoto of ESPN confirmed that the event has picked up a co-main event:
Bisping last fought less than two weeks ago against Vitor Belfort at UFC On Fox 6 against Vitor Belfort. He was promised a shot at the 185 lb. with a win. Unfortunately for the Brit, he gave a a second round KO instead.
Belcher also fought recently, losing a lopsided decision to former contender Yushin Okami at UFC 155. He and Bisping have exchanged words repeatedly over the last several months and I’m sure we can expect more of that leading up to their fight.
UFC 159 is scheduled to go down on April 27 at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. This co-main event announcement marks the fourth fight confirmation over the last 24 hours.
Fight card:
Jon Jones vs. Chael Sonnen
Michael Bisping vs. Alan Belcher
Cheick Kongo vs. Roy Nelson
Phil Davis vs. Vinny Magalhaes
Jim Miller vs. Pat Healy