Jones to defend title against Smith at UFC 235 pending license approval
It appears Jon Jones' first defense after capturing the light heavyweight championship is set.
UFC president Dana White told TMZ Sports that Jones will battle Anthony Smith at UFC 235 on March 2. The bout will take place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, meaning "Bones" must apply for a license from the NSAC in order to compete.
Jones (23-1, 1 NC) could not receive his license for his light heavyweight title fight against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232 after a drug test revealed a residual amount of turinabol in his system.
The United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) ruled that Jones had committed no foul and he was later granted a license by the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC). The UFC moved the event from Las Vegas to Inglewood on just one week's notice.
Smith (31-13) is the UFC's No. 3-ranked light heavyweight and is currently on a three-fight win streak. He defeated Volkan Oezdemir by submission at UFC Fight Night 138 in October.