Jimi Manuwa is riding high off his most recent victory at UFC Fight Night 107. Coming off a sensational walk-off knockout victory over Corey Anderson, the light heavyweight fighter launched himself to the title picture. He may be one fight away from getting a title shot. But his recent comments suggest that he is avoiding who many regards as the greatest light heavyweight fighter of all time in Jon Jones.
Jon Jones is still currently serving his suspension after a failed drug test last year. But despite that, his shadow looms over the light heavyweight division as his reign as an unbeaten champion was unceremoniously halted after the drug infraction. In the aftermath, Daniel Cormier, whom Jon Jones has beaten before is now the current champion and will face number one contender Anthony "Rumble" Johnson. However, for Jimi Manuwa, fighting Jon Jones is not in his plans of his quest for the title.
According to Bloody Elbow, Jimi Manuwa made it clear of his intentions to fight for the title in his post fight interview. Manuwa called out the winner of the Cormier, Johnson title match which will take place at UFC 210 in April. While the idea of Jimi Manuwa fighting for the title may seem ludicrous, it actually makes sense given the division's top-heavy status. With title contenders for the light heavyweight title revolving around 2-3 names, Jimi Manuwa sneaking in for a shot seems possible. Then again, in order to cement his status as a top contender, Manuwa has to defeat a top contender. One option is to fight Jon Jones whose suspension will end later this year.
However, Jimi Manuwa wants nothing to do with Jon Jones whom he calls a steroid user. He recalls that he was a big fan of Jon Jones before he was suspended for drug use and still has great respect for him as a fighter. But the drug use has tainted Jones' legacy and everything he has done for the sport.
Then again according to MMA Junkie, this may be a means of Jimi Manuwa's demeaning of Jon Jones' accomplishments to cope Manuwa's shortcomings. There's no doubt that Jones has accomplished far more than Jimi Manuwa in his MMA career and demeaning them may make him feel better about his career. Or maybe, he's just avoiding Jones to get an easier path towards the title
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