Jon Jones says he does not have a problem with arch-rival commentating his UFC 285 fight despite history
Jon Jones has suggested that he doesn't have a problem with longtime rival Daniel Cormier working as part of the UFC's octagon-side commentary team during his upcoming fight.
Jones' long-awaited comeback will see him face former interim UFC heavyweight champion Ciryl Gane for the vacant UFC heavyweight title at UFC 285 on March 4th. It would mark Jones' first MMA bout since February 2020 and would be the former UFC light heavyweight champion's debut matchup in the heavyweight division.
There's been speculation regarding whether the UFC will have former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier serve as a commentator for the fight. Cormier faced archnemesis Jon Jones twice in light heavyweight bouts inside the octagon.
On this day in 2017.
Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier re-ignited their rivalry at UFC 214 🔥 https://t.co/XvKYR3yS07
Daniel Cormier lost their first fight via unanimous decision in January 2015. Cormier also lost the rematch via third-round KO in July 2017. However, the rematch's result was subsequently overturned to a No Contest, as Jones tested positive for steroids in relation to that fight.
Cormier retired from MMA in August 2020 and transitioned into a full-time UFC commentator/analyst role. Addressing the aforementioned variables at play, Jones has tweeted:
"DC you are more than welcome to commentate at my fight, I think you are really good at what you do. I trust that you would be non-biased. All the best brother"
DC you are more than welcome to commentate at my fight, I think you are really good at what you do. I trust that you would be non-biased. All the best brother
Also, in regards to his post-fight octagon interview potentially being conducted by Cormier, Jones tweeted:
"Whoever wants to do it, totally cool with me. I feel like I’m in a whole new chapter of my life, let bygones be bygones."
Whoever wants to do it, totally cool with me. I feel like I’m in a whole new chapter of my life, let bygones be bygones. twitter.com/ballsdeepinym3…
Jones' aforementioned tweets were seemingly respectful towards Cormier. Regardless, he later posted another tweet wherein he referenced his infamous 'hey pu**y, are you still there' jibe that he'd taken at 'DC' during an ESPN interview segment:
"You still there?"
You still there?
A fan responded to Jones' aforementioned tweet by posting a GIF of Cormier. Jones replied by simply tweeting:
"lol"
lol twitter.com/Agezza71/statu…
💀 lol twitter.com/Agezza71/statu…
Robert Whittaker gives his prediction for Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane
In a recent interview with mainevent, former UFC middleweight champion Robert Whittaker picked Jon Jones to defeat Ciryl Gane. Many oddsmakers have Jones as the underdog for the first time since 2009. Regardless, Whittaker contrarily stated:
"Jon Jones is gonna take [Gane] down and just lay on him and finish him there. Jones' wrestling is next caliber. Nobody comes close to what Jon Jones can produce in the octagon, this is my opinion."
Whittaker highlighted that Jones' elite grappling, striking, cardio, and strength has proven to be superior to everyone else, as evidenced by his past performances. 'The Reaper' further indicated that Jones possesses the highest fight IQ in MMA and expertly identifies and exploits his opponent's weaknesses.
Watch Whittaker's assessment below: