Cormier (photo) wants to become “the guy” at light heavyweight. Photo: Brandon Magnus/Zuffa LLC
Next challenger for the UFC light heavyweight belt, Daniel Cormier He already dreams of becoming champion of the biggest MMA organization on the planet. Despite the respected resume in the sport, which includes titles in North American wrestling and the Strikeforce heavyweight GP in 2012, “DC” considers that, if he defeats Jon Jones in September, the victory would represent the greatest achievement of his career.
“Being the UFC champion means everything to me. It will be the culmination of my entire career in sports. From college to becoming Strikeforce champion, it will be the culmination of everything”, compared Cormier, in an interview with the website of the North American broadcaster “FOX Sports”.
More than being UFC champion, Cormier stated that defeating Jones, the record holder for title defenses in the category, with seven, and considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, would make the achievement even more special.
“Look what happened to Chris Weidman – he is a star now just because he won Anderson Silva. TJ Dillashaw saw his reputation soar to the sky after hitting Renan Barao, which wasn't even that well known in the United States yet. The secret is to beat 'the guy'. He [Jones] defended the belt seven times and is widely considered the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world. If you beat the guy, you become the guy,” Cormier philosophized.
Despite recognizing the champion's qualities, DC exudes confidence in his victory. “I know how to defeat Jon Jones. I know I can defeat Jon Jones. I don't know if I can explain how to defeat Jon Jones, but I know that, with the skills and mentality I have, I can defeat Jon Jones. Right now, I want to be the number one pound-for-pound fighter,” he stated.
Since the fight was confirmed, Cormier and Jones have been exchanging several barbs on social media. The challenger recognizes that this could stimulate the champion, but does not see it as a disadvantage. “Rashad evans pissed off Jones and we saw the best Jon ever. Jon trained harder than ever because Rashad pissed him off so much. So, in a way, Rashad's plan backfired. For me, I'm glad he's mad. I want him to train hard because I want to beat the best version of him. Jon Jones who has already entered the Octagon,” he said.
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