Las Vegas Sun

Currently: 70° | Complete forecast |

UFC 151 headed to Las Vegas with Jon Jones vs. Dan Henderson main event

No additional bouts or venue announced yet for Labor Day weekend card

UFC 126 fight night

Justin M. Bowen

Jon Jones leaves the arena after defeating Ryan Bader in their light heavyweight bout at UFC 126 on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011, at Mandalay Bay Events Center. Jones won by submission.

Click to enlarge photo

UFC's Dan Henderson talks to fans at a Q&A session in Portland, Ore. before UFC 102 in this file photo.

The UFC has traditionally held annual fight cards on the weekends of Memorial Day, the Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas.

In 2012, the world’s largest mixed martial arts promotion will also stage a pay-per-view event on Labor Day weekend. UFC President Dana White recently announced through twitter that Las Vegas would host UFC 151 on September 1.

A light heavyweight championship bout between Jon Jones (16-1 MMA, 10-1 UFC) and Dan Henderson (29-8 MMA, 6-2 UFC) will headline the card. The UFC has not announced whether UFC 151 will take place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena or Mandalay Bay Events Center.

It’s the first time Jones has fought in Las Vegas since UFC 126 in February 2011, when he defeated Ryan Bader by second-round submission to earn a title shot. The 24-year old Jones has reeled four straight wins against former champions since then, leading many to believe he’s the best fighter in the world.

But few in MMA history have more decorated careers than the 41-year old Dan Henderson, who held two PRIDE titles simultaneously and also captured a belt in Strikeforce. Henderson has come up short in two UFC championship bouts, but receives a third shot following a four-fight winning streak.

Henderson has sat out waiting for Jones since last November, when he defeated Mauricio “Shogun” Rua by unanimous decision in the consensus Fight of the Year.

Case Keefer can be reached at 948-2790 or [email protected]. Follow Case on Twitter at twitter.com/casekeefer.

Join the Discussion:

Check this out for a full explanation of our conversion to the LiveFyre commenting system and instructions on how to sign up for an account.

Full comments policy