Jon Jones takes recent cordiality towards Daniel Cormier a step further, talks about forgiveness
This week, Jon Jones has reflected on his bitter rivalry with Daniel Cormier and it appears as though he's willing to put their animosity to bed.
Jones and Cormier's rivalry is one of the most infamous in UFC history. The pair were both at the top of their game in the light heavyweight division and faced off twice during their careers. The fight build-up was often brutal, and 'Bones' would regularly get personal towards 'DC' and his family at every opportunity.
Now, with Cormier retired and inducted into the Hall of Fame, Jones is set to try to follow in the footsteps of his former rival by challenging for heavyweight gold. Whilst preparing, Jon Jones also took to Twitter this week and appeared to try to squash his beef with Daniel Cormier once and for all.
In all seriousness DC, I’m cool with you bro. I recognize the man you are, I wasn’t lying when I said those things in my post fight interview. Outside of us being fierce competitors I dig the way you represent yourself, the wrestling community, our community, and our sport
In an interview with RMC Sport, Jon Jones discussed his recent cordiality towards Cormier. The former light heavyweight champion stated that he respects 'DC' and has forgiven him for anything negative he's said about him. Jones also hoped that Cormier would feel the same:
"I can never say that I actually ever hated 'DC', I just really wanted to beat him. After beating him, there's a respect you just naturally have for the guy...You can't help not to respect all these guys. When the fight is over, the beef is over...I do forgive Daniel Cormier for anything negative he's ever said about me and I'd hope he forgives me aswell."
Catch the full interview here [12:30]:
Ciryl Gane's coach claims they know what Jon Jones' gameplan will be at UFC 285
Jon Jones is set to make his heavyweight debut at UFC 285 when he faces Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title.
Whilst fans have been debating how they believe the fight will play out, Gane's coach, Fernand Lopez, is confident they have already identified the approach 'Bones' will be taking.
In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Lopez stated that they are prepared for Jones to employ a wrestling-heavy approach in the main-event, due to Gane's performance against Francis Ngannou at UFC 270:
"I think no matter what Jon Jones or his team would say, they have plan A as wrestling. No matter what they do in the first round, they'll try the wrestling as soon as this thing starts, I believe it. I'm not saying that Jon Jones will not cut Ciryl there and here, [from] time to time."
He added:
"I believe he [Jones] is very good at striking, I believe he can touch everyone but let's be serious. Ciryl is something [else] on the feet. Whenever you fight with him you'll find out very... quickly that this guy is different, it's another level of striking... and you'll have to just shoot the double leg or shoot for a body lock. So I know that we'll face the wrestling."
Catch the interview here: