Daniel Cormier sees meaning in a possible interim title fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic

S. Miocic (left) and J. Jones (right) could face each other in the heavyweight division. Photo: Montage: SUPER FIGHTS

Without Francis Ngannou, who will be out of action for the rest of the year due to an injury after unifying the belts in UFC 270, the future of the UFC's heavyweight division (up to 120,2 kg) is unknown. For the former champion and current commentator Daniel Cormier, the solution is to create another interim belt.

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Francis Ngannou will undergo knee surgery to repair serious injuries suffered before the fight against Cyryl Gane, in January. With the champion unable to defend the belt, Daniel Cormier believe that Jon Jones e Stipe Miocic should face each other for the interim title.

“I think we will see another interim title. To me, what makes sense for the interim title is Stipe Miocic e Jon Jones. I think if you put these two together, no matter who wins, when Francis comes back we will have a huge fight”, explained Cormier on his show on the North American “ESPN” “DC & RC”.

Record holder for heavyweight belt defenses, Stipe Miocic has not seen action since being dethroned by Francis Ngannou in March 2021, in UFC 260. Miocic's opponent on three occasions, Cormier believes that, if there is a new interim heavyweight belt, the former champion's presence is mandatory.

“As for Miocic, I think the time has come to give him some respect. If there is going to be an interim title, it cannot happen without Miocic. Miocic is tough, tough and as good as anyone in the division. He against Jon Jones it was a fight that everyone wanted to see when the two were champions. So you marry for the interim title and also allow people to see if Jon Jones may or may not compete at heavyweight,” said Cormier.

As for Jon Jones, with whom he had one of the greatest recent rivalries in the UFC, Daniel Cormier believes that the former light heavyweight champion should debut fighting for a belt, albeit an interim one, in the new category.

“That’s the reality. If Jon Jones Fighting at heavyweight, you want to have a belt up for grabs. You don't want him just fighting. I used to think they could turn him against Curtis blaydes or any other. But no, you have to put him in a fight in which, if he wins, a belt will be put on him, even if it is an interim one, because it will only elevate the next fight”, he concluded.