Who should replace Daniel Cormier at UFC 197?
Light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier is reportedly withdrawing from the main event at UFC 197 due to injury, leaving Jon Jones without an opponent.
While the UFC has dealt with several issues involving Jones that were out of the promotion's control, this one is very much within its wheelhouse.
Here's a look at how the UFC may fill the void left by Cormier.
Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson
Johnson was slated to enter the Octagon against Jones last May before the latter was stripped of his title. He eventually got a shot with the vacated belt on the line and lost to Cormier. However, "Rumble" rebounded with back-to-back knockout victories and has won 11 of his last 12 fights.
Johnson, who currently ranks second in the light heavyweight division, said he was willing to serve as a replacement in this bout when Jones' legal troubles put his availability temporarily in doubt. Now, he may get a chance to participate after all.
Alexander Gustafsson
Everyone remembers Gustafsson's five-round war with Jones at UFC 165. Jones emerged with a unanimous decision victory, but it was clearly the biggest test of his career, and a rematch seemed all but guaranteed.
Unfortunately, it never happened and Gustafsson went on to lose two of three, falling to both Johnson and Cormier in 2015. On short notice, the UFC could decide to tap into fans' memories of that epic bout, which saw both fighters hospitalized.
Jones moves to heavyweight
Jones has always teased the idea of moving up to the UFC's largest weight class, so why not? This wouldn't have to be a permanent change, but instead a chance to test the waters and see how he fares against more powerful competition.
While there would be several potential suitors for Jones' heavyweight debut, one fight that would have fans immediately interested would be a battle with Mark Hunt. However, the UFC may be hesitant to get behind this idea after Conor McGregor fell flat in his attempt to jump weight classes.
Cormier-Jones II at UFC 200
This option makes a lot of sense. Depending on the severity of Cormier's injury, it could give the champion time to heal while letting the dust settle after Jones' most recent arrest.
UFC 200 is already expected to feature McGregor-Nate Diaz, Jose Aldo-Frankie Edgar, and Travis Browne-Cain Velasquez. If Cormier-Jones II was added, the organization would finally have the megacard it's been trying to build.