J. Jones (left) believes that D. Cormier (right) should still face more renowned fighters in the division. Photo: MMA Press Production (Josh Hedges/UFC)
The former GP champion of the now defunct Strikeforce Daniel Cormier is considered by many as one of the possible future challengers for the light heavyweight belt, especially after his devastating debut in the division – with the lightning victory over Patrick Cummins at UFC 170. Aware of this, commenting on the champion's ability Jon Jones to choose his opponents, Cormier asked for a title shot during his appearance on the podcast “The Great MMA Debat”.
“This is a message for Jonny 'Bones' Jones: Hey, Jon. Here is Daniel Cormier. Face. My brother. I'm asking nicely. I'm not aggressive. I'm not trying to create a conflict, Jon. I'm just asking, if you would be willing to give me a chance to fight you. Please, Jon. Please, my brother. Make that decision”, said Cormier, during his participation in the program on the website of the North American channel “FOX Sports”.
In your response, initially Jon Jones avoided his rival's challenge. “My answer is: Hey, DC. I really respect what you did on your weight cut. I think this was extremely inspiring for a lot of people. This shows what kind of heart you have and that you are willing to sacrifice meals to reach 93 kg”, said the champion jokingly, in a recorded message that was played during “The Great MMA Debat”.
Afterwards, however, Jones got straight to the point. “First of all, since you are speaking respectfully, I will congratulate you on your victory and your weight loss. But as far as giving you a title shot, I have no interest in fighting you right now. Simply because you haven't really fought against someone I consider to be a high-level fighter. I'm tired of seeing UFC light heavyweights fight less qualified fighters and get to the belt. I really want to see a potential challenger face another potential challenger and I think you need to fight someone a little more recognized than Patrick Cummins. Fight Rashad [Evans], fight a legit athlete, man. So, only then, I would think it would be a little more appropriate to give him that chance at the title”, he said.
Jon Jones, aged 26, has a record of 19 wins and only one defeat – by disqualification, due to illegal elbows. In September last year, by defeating his sixth challenger, the North American broke the record for consecutive title defenses in the under-93 kg category – previously in possession of Tito Ortiz. The number one in the weight-for-pound ranking faces the Brazilian Glover Teixeira on April 26th and already keep an eye on UFC Fight Night 37 this Saturday (8th), as a victory for Alexander Gustafson over Jimi Manuwa should guarantee the Swede a rematch against the champion. Already Daniel Cormier, 34 years old, has an undefeated record of 14 victories. In the UFC since last year, DC has already won Frank mir, Roy Nelson and, most recently, Patrick Cummins.
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