UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jon “Bones” Jones will defend his belt as the worldwide mixed martial arts leader returns to the Lone Star State next year.
The UFC announced this week that it will return to Texas with an event at the Toyota Center in Houston on February 8, 2020. Headlining the card will be a bout between Jones and challenger Dominick Reyes. Reyes (12-0) is making his first title fight appearance, after demolishing his opponents in all six of his UFC fights, including his recent win against former UFC Middleweight Champion Chris Weidman. Meanwhile, Jones (25-1-1) will be attempting his third successive title defense since regaining the title in December 2018. Jones’ most recent appearance inside the Octagon came at UFC 239, in which he outpointed Thiago Santos to win a close split-decision victory.
Also on the card, Texas heavyweight Derrick Lewis will face Ilir Latifi, who is making his UFC heavyweight debut. UFC Women’s Flyweight Champion Valentina Shevchenko will also defend her belt against challenger Katlyn Chookagian.
The card will be streamed on ESPN+ pay-per-view, according to the UFC.