Jones and St. Preux are in the main fight of UFC 197. Photo: Reproduction
The official weigh-in for UFC 197, held on Friday night (22), in Las Vegas, in the United States, had no major setbacks. The event's protagonists successfully beat the weight limit for their categories, including the star Jon Jones, who returns to fighting this Saturday.
Having not competed since January 2015, Jones appeared quite relaxed during the weigh-in. The former champion took to the stage set up at the MGM Grand Garden Arena gymnasium greeting UFC officials, as well as blowing a kiss to the ring girls present. In the balance, Jones and his adversary, Ovince St Preux, weighed 92,9 kg, confirming the fight for the interim belt in the light heavyweight category.
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Then, both fighters made a serious face, although they shook hands shortly afterwards. Jones then expressed all his joy. “Thank you everyone for being here. This is unbelievable, I'm feeling your energy so much. I promise you the best performance ever,” said Jones, considered one of the greatest fighters of all time in MMA.
St. Preux, who occupies the role of underdog for the fight, assured that he is ready to surprise the world. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I will make the most of this opportunity tomorrow night,” he assured.
The fight for the flyweight belt, which will be the second most important on the show, has also been confirmed. The category champion, Demetrious Johnson, scored 56,7 kg, exactly the same mark obtained by Cejudo, who, in the past, had already had difficulties in reaching the category's weight limit.
All the fighters on the card, in fact, managed to beat the mark for their categories. Among Brazilians, Edson Barboza registered 70,3 kg, Rafael Sapo 84,3, Juliana Lima 52,1 kg, Glaico France 70,7 kg and Marcos Foot 92,9 kg. The only fighter at the event who needed a towel was Dominique Steele, who still remained within the welterweight category limit.
UFC 197 will start at 19:30 pm this Saturday (23), and will have complete coverage of the SUPER FIGHTS, with narration of the fights in real time, combat reports and post-event interviews.
UFC 197 weigh-in results:
MAIN CARD
Light heavyweights: Jon Jones (92,9 kg) x Ovince St Preux (92,9 kg)
Flies: Demetrious Johnson (56,7 kg) x Henry Cejudo (56,7 kg)
Mild: Anthony Pettis (70,7 kg) x Edson Barboza (70,3 kg)
Medium: Robert whittaker (84,1 kg) x Rafael Sapo (84,3 kg)
Feathers: Yair Rodriguez (66,0 kg) x André Fili (66,2 kg)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Flies: Sergio Pettis (57,1 kg) x Chris Kelades (57,1 kg)
Welterweights: Danny Roberts (77,3 kg) x Dominique Steele (77,5 kg)
Straws: Carla esparza (52,6 kg) x Juliana Lima (52,1 kg)
Mild: Glaico France (70,7 kg) x James Vick (70,3 kg)
Heavy: Walt Harris (115,8 kg) x Cody East (111,3 kg)
Light heavyweights: Marcos Foot (92,9 kg) x Clint Hester (92 kg)
Mild: Efrain Escudero (70,5 kg) x Kevin Lee (70,7 kg)
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