UFC 197's Jon Jones: Tension with Daniel Cormier to 'ramp up' at today's press event

Just a few hours from now, former UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones and current titleholder Daniel Cormier are set to share a room for the first time in more than a year. And it could get interesting, according to Jones.

Ahead of their title rematch at UFC 197, Jones (21-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) and Cormier (17-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) will have their first face-to-face meeting at today’s “Unstoppable” press conference. It’s their first in-person encounter since “Bones” defeated “DC” at UFC 182 in January 2015.

UFC 197 takes place April 23 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. Cormier vs. Jones headlines the pay-per-view main card following prelims on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass.

Much has changed in the more than 14 months since Jones topped Cormier by unanimous decision at UFC 182 to defend the 205-pound strap for the eighth consecutive time.

Jones was stripped of the belt and suspended from competition for most of 2015 after his highly publicized April hit-and-run charge. Cormier, meanwhile, picked up the strap Jones left behind by beating Anthony Johnson at UFC 187 in May and later defended it against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 192 in October.

Although Cormier, No. 2 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA light-heavyweight rankings, officially holds the UFC title, No. 1-ranked Jones has made it clear he still believes he’s the rightful king of the division.

Cormier, unsurprisingly, has a different opinion. But both sides will soon have the chance to make their argument in front of fans and media. Historically high drama has occurred when Jones and Cormier are in the same place, such as when a media event turned into an all-out brawl in 2014:

What will happen this time? Jones told MMAjunkie in a recent interview that he’s not sure but that there’s a good chance the intensity will be turned up a few notches.

“Right now there isn’t any (animosity), but I’m sure when I see him, things will ramp up a bit,” Jones said. “I haven’t really thought about it at all. I’ve been in the UFC for so many years now, so it can’t be anything too different than what I’ve experienced. I’m excited to just take it as it comes.”

Check out the full video above.

For more on UFC 197, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.