5 reasons why Daniel Cormier needs to fight Jon Jones one last time
There are rivalries that are orchestrated with the purpose of selling PPVs wherein the competitors seem to be vitriolic against each other but in reality, share a mutual respect. The same can't be said about Jones and Cormier.
The perennial rivals are polar opposites. DC is the role model champion while Jones is the bad boy of MMA. One has never popped up for PEDs while the other seems to be addicted to Turinabol.
Jones, though, is a prodigal talent who has surpassed his peers in terms of his in-fight IQ, execution and overall skill. Cormier's only two losses have come against Jones and we can't help but envision a third fight between the two Light Heavyweight greats who absolutely despise each other.
Jones is scheduled to fight Anthony Smith at UFC 235 while Cormier's next and possibly last opponent has still not been decided upon. The talks of a trilogy fight may have taken a backseat in recent weeks with DC and many MMA pundits and fighters downplaying the scenario, but it needs to see the light of the day, doesn't it?
We give you five reasons why it should happen.
#1 The Money Fight
Jones vs. DC I recorded 800,000 PPV buys while the sequel raked in 860,000. Their first outing was the most successful PPV event since UFC 168 and while UFC 214 may have failed to breach the 1 million mark, it was one of the biggest shows of the year in which the UFC struggled to put on major cards.
Trilogies always have a special place in the memories of MMA faithful. JDS vs. Valesquez, Lidell vs. Couture, and GSP vs. Hughes are some that instantly come to mind and in hindsight, all were defining fights in the legendary careers of the aforementioned fighters.
Jones and Cormier are each other's biggest rival as well the staunchest detractor. They never miss an opportunity to put each other down on social media even when the topic doesn't even pertain to fighting. The buildups of their previous encounters have featured in many montages of best trash talking bits in MMA history, which is why a third fight promises to be a lucrative affair for the UFC. Additionally, UFC can stack up the card with lesser-drawing fights and give some exposure to fighters who need it the most.
However, it's not always about the money...