Manuwa wants to fight for the UFC belt (Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC)
The announcement of the rematch between Daniel Cormier e Jon Jones for UFC 214, on July 29th, left Jimi Manuwa very unhappy. Number 3 in the light heavyweight rankings, the Englishman claimed that he deserved a chance to fight for the category's belt, and criticized Jones' choice as challenger.
See too
“I didn’t want Jones to just go ahead. I've been working hard and knocking people out. I think I deserve this title shot. He's one of the greatest of all time, but he's been out for a year or two. Jones needs one to get back into action, and he knows it,” he declared, in an interview with the American “ESPN”.
Despite being upset with Ultimate's decision, Manuwa assured that being passed over by 'Bones' will not change his plans for the future. According to him, a fight under boxing rules is on the cards.
“I will be uncomfortable (if Jon Jones fight for the belt), but at the end of the day, that won't determine what I'll do. I have options, I have David Haye. I want my “title shot”, I deserve it, but I have a choice, and it won’t define my career. Dana liked it. We called David Haye to talk about numbers. David is interested. Let's see what happens. There is no agreement, but it is very possible. Dana liked the numbers and said the fight is definitely possible. Together, with David Haye’s team and the UFC, we will sell out tickets”, said the fighter.
Asked about his next steps in MMA, Jimi mentioned the Brazilian Mauritius Shogun as a possible opponent, but highlighted that he considers the confrontation as a step back.
“The only person who would fight (besides Cormier) would be Shogun. I would love to fight him, but for me, it's taking a step back. My last fight was to be against Glover Teixeira, which would be a step forward. The fight didn't happen, so I faced Corey anderson and I won with a knockout in two or three minutes. Shogun is below me in the rankings, so it would be a step back,” he concluded.
At 37 years old, Manuwa has won two consecutive victories, both by knockout – he defeated Ovince St Preux at UFC 204, in October 2016, and Corey anderson No. UFC London, last March. In total, there are six positive results and two negative results for the company.
Comments