Dana White explains why Jones vs. Saint Preux is for the interim title

On Friday night we broke the news that current UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier had suffered an injury and would no longer be able to defend his title against Jon Jones at UFC 197 on April 23.

Yesterday, UFC officials announced that Ovince Saint Preux would be stepping up on short-notice to challenge Jon Jones for the UFC’s interim light heavyweight title at the event (UFC 197).

UFC President Dana White explained to ESPN’s SportsCenter why the promotion decided to make “OSP” vs. “Bones” a five-round main event for the promotions interim light heavyweight title. His words:

“It will [be for the interim title],” Dana White stated. “It will still be the main event. It will be five rounds for the light heavyweight interim title. Jon has never lost his title in the Octagon. He was stripped of his title because of problems outside. We think it’s the right thing to do. It’s not [Jones’] fault Cormier is injured. He will fight for the interim light heavyweight title and then when Cormier comes back, they’ll decide who the real champ is.”

Former UFC featherweight champion Jose Aldo recently told reporters that the interim belt he is fighting Frankie Edgar for at UFC 200 “means nothing”.

Do you think it makes sense that the Jones vs. Saint Preux fight will be for the UFC’s interim light heavyweight title? Do interim titles really hold any meaning? Sound off PENN Nation!