UFC 239: Jon Jones to defend against Thiago Santos

The UFC confirmed today that light heavyweight champion Jon Jones (24-1-0, 1NC) will defend his title against No. 3 contender Thiago Santos (21-6-0) at UFC 239 in July.

Santos, 35, comes into the fight with a lot of momentum after dispatching Jan Blachowicz, Jimi Manuwa, and Eryk Anders by TKO, part of a four fight win streak. “Marreta” is 8-1-0 in his last nine bouts as well.

“Having challenges is what makes life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life make sense"#UFC239 #AndNew #Champion #TeamMarreta #MarretaNeles #DaCDDproMundo pic.twitter.com/TWAwzwbyQ8

— Thiago Marreta (@TMarretaMMA) April 4, 2019

Meanwhile, Jones, 31, hasn’t lost since a disqualification in 2009 to Matt Hamill. He defeated Anthony Smith by decision at UFC 235 last month.

UFC 239 is scheduled for July 6 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Current bouts include:

Jon Jones (24-1-0, 1NC) vs. Thiago Santos (21-6-0)

Amanda Nunes (17-4-0) vs. Holly Holm (12-4-0)

Francis Ngannou (13-3-0) vs. Junior Dos Santos (21-5-0)

Ben Askren (19-0-0) vs. Jorge Masvidal (33-13-0)

Luke Rockhold (16-4-0) vs. Jan Blachowicz (23-8-0)

More bouts are expected to be announced.

@kenaiandrews