Jones questions Cormier's fitness: 'We all see what he looks like'

Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Minutes before come out on top during the UFC 178 press conference, Jon Jones gave his impressions about his next opponent, Daniel Cormier. The UFC light heavyweight champion, who will be making his eighth title defense, believes that the physical factor will be a differentiator in the fight that will take place in September.

In an interview with “The MMA Hour” podcast, Jones stated that the “chubby” Cormier will have difficulty getting in shape while preparing for the fight. “As for being in shape, well, we all see what you look like. Maybe I should have chosen my words better. I don't think he's in the best of physical shape. Not only will he need to lose weight to get in shape, but he will have to focus on strategies to defeat me. I think it's a difficult task”, assessed the champion, who, despite recognizing his opponent's qualities, foresees a dominant performance from him.

“They are both very tough in their own way. I've never fought anyone with the wrestling resume that Daniel has. It's hard to say, because I haven't fought Daniel yet. But I believe he could give me the toughest fight of my life or I could just overpower him. I believe I will master it. In terms of style, I don't think he has what he needs, but obviously I need to prove that on September 27th,” Jones continued.

The American insisted that Cormier was the fight he wanted in the first place, but admitted he still has issues with Alexander Gustafson, who would be his original opponent at UFC 178. “This fight interests me much more than the fight against Gustafsson. I feel like I have something to prove to the MMA community when it comes to Gustafsson. I couldn't show my best skills against him, so I owe Gustafsson a big beating. But, at the same time, beating someone I've never fought before, on a new level of provocation, new techniques, new tactics... This is all invigorating and I'm excited to overcome a new challenge”, he explained.