• TUF 17

Jon Jones meets Chael Sonnen on TUF 17

ESPN staff
October 16, 2012
Jon Jones is heading for Chael Sonnen © Getty Images
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The UFC announced on Tuesday a potentially explosive rivalry for the 17th season of TUF, with Jon Jones and Chael Sonnen as coaches.

Jones and Sonnen have simmering history following a turbulent few months that saw UFC light-heavyweight champion Jones turn down his compatriot on eight days' notice. That decision caused the cancellation of UFC 151 - leading to the most difficult time of Jones' career.

Since then he has explained that he did not feel Sonnen was worthy of a title shot, based on the fact his UFC record reads 6-5. He also questioned the morals of Sonnen, who has regularly insulted Brazil and been found guilty of money laundering.

However, Jones began to warm to the bout over the past week, revealing on Twitter he would take the fight if it was what the fans wanted. And, coupled with the drama of a TUF series, MMA fans are set for one of the memorable rivalries in UFC history.

"This should be a good one," White told the Los Angeles Times when confirming the news. "Jon has accepted the fight. He knows the fans want to see that fight."

The fight will be scheduled for April, giving Jones time to recover from the elbow damage he received in his win over Vitor Belfort.

Sonnen had been set to fight Forrest Griffin in December, but that bout has been pulled.

Questions will be raised over the decision to hand Sonnen a title shot on his first step back into the 205lb ocean. He is coming off a loss to Anderson Silva at middleweight and is not considered the No. 1 contender at light-heavyweight.

Nevertheless, he has more potential than anybody to get under the skin of the near-perfect Jones, making for a magnificent season.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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