Jon Jones buries hatchet with longtime bitter rival Daniel Cormier ahead of title fight
Jon Jones is finally booked to return to the octagon at UFC 285 after a three-year hiatus from the sport. The GOAT contender will take on Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight title, which has been left vacant by the exit of former champ Francis Ngannou.
Ahead of his return, Jones weighed in on his rivalry with Daniel Cormier, considered to be one of the most iconic ones in UFC history. 'DC' captured UFC gold at both light-heavyweight and heavyweight, a feat Jones is aiming to achieve.
However, 'Bones', who has fought Cormier twice, is no longer competing with 'DC'. Claiming to have buried the hatchet, Jones said in an interview with Sports Illustrated:
“I’m not competing against Daniel Cormier. I’ve already beat him twice. I’m really happy for Daniel Cormier. I love what he’s done in his life with his wrestling and broadcasting. I think it’s awesome when a fighter can retire and use his voice and intelligence to do something that he loves, so I’ve got nothing but respect for Daniel Cormier.”
Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones renewed their epic rivalry three years ago today in the main event of #UFC 214.
This promo, which IMO is the greatest in UFC history, still gives me chills.
https://t.co/zMSmtxZhd2
Jones faced Cormier for the first time at UFC 182 in 2015 and went on to defend his light-heavyweight crown via a unanimous decision. Jones scored a more emphatic KO win in the rematch at UFC 214, which was overturned due to 'Bones' failing pre-fight drug tests.
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Daniel Cormier counters the notion of Jon Jones outwrestling Ciryl Gane
Jon Jones is widely regarded as one of the best wrestlers in UFC history, having outgrappled Daniel Cormier, a former Olympian. Many expect 'Bones' to run through Ciryl Gane as the Frenchman was outwrestled by Francis Ngannou, whose grappling skillset is clearly not his best.
However, Cormier believes Gane has likely developed his grappling since his title loss to Ngannou a year ago. 'DC' weighed in on the potential consequences of Jones being forced to strike against 'Bon Gamin', an accomplished kickboxer. The former UFC double champion said on his YouTube channel:
"What happens if Jones can't take Ciryl Gane down? What happens if Jones is forced to stand with this guy? What we saw in the Gane fight against Tai Tuivasa is even though he can be hurt, even though his most fights look pretty, Ciryl Gane is a dog. And when he needed to be against Tai, he just fought Tai, not only did he just fight Tai, he finished Tai Tuivasa. Get tough-skinned Jon Jones."
Catch Daniel Cormier's comments below: