UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier is acutely aware of his legacy, and he knows that Jon “Bones” Jones is crucial to cementing it.
“I want to be regarded as the best guy in the world, and I want to fight the best guy in the world. When (Jones) gets back I want to be the guy standing across the octagon with him.” Cormier said. Although Cormier has the title, he won it after Jones had it stripped following a hit-and-run that led to his arrest. Jones has not been beaten for his title, and in fact he beat Cormier in January.
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If Jones, who is on an indefinite suspension from UFC, does return, a rematch with Cormier is arguably the biggest matchup the UFC can put on. Since losing to Jones, Cormier has defeated two of MMA’s most ferocious fighters, Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and Alexander Gustafsson. At 36, the clock is ticking on Cormier’s ability to fight at the elite level. In fact, having been through as many wars as Cormier has, it’s fair to wonder whether he’ll be too shopworn to be a real threat by the time he can fight Jones.
Cormier is going to take a hiatus from the octagon, citing a very busy schedule of late.
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“In 2015, I fought Jones, I fought ‘Rumble’ Johnson, and I fought Alexander Gustafsson. I fought the toughest guys the division has to offer – all in 10 months, at 36 years old. I need a little bit of a break. I fought seven times in two years in the UFC. I need some time to sit back and spend with my family. … I want to take a break, and I think I’ve earned it.”
Unfortunately, at Cormier’s age top-level ability can fade quickly. Cormier is aware of the possibility; in discussing his legacy, he seemed eager to have a Jones fight sooner rather than later, so he doesn’t wind up competing at a diminished level.
““I’m going to fight, but let’s say the wheels start to fall off and I lose or I lose twice, then I’ll probably be done. My resume and my career and my legacy in this sport means more than just collecting some checks.”
Jones recently showed off a fight-ready physique on Instagram, so if the UFC reinstates him soon, he can probably get in a tune-up fight before challenging for the belt he never really lost. Jones’ next fight will not likely be vs. Cormier, but Cormier is definitely hoping his next bout is against Jones.
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