MMA Weekly

Daniel Cormier: Jon Jones is just not afraid, this can be a public negotiation

Regardless of the in poor health will between them, Daniel Cormier doesn’t doubt rival Jon Jones in the case of him eager to combat newly minted UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. On the newest episode of the “DC & Helwani” podcast, Cormier gave his ideas on the potential of a heavyweight title matchup between Jones and Ngannou. On the UFC 260 post-fight press convention, UFC president Dana White forged doubt on whether or not Jones truly needed the combat after posting a tweet saying “Present me the cash,” believing he mentioned that as a possible scapegoat to keep away from a combat with the heavyweight champion. Jones fired again with a number of tweets denying that declare, saying he simply needs to be paid what he believes he’s value. Regardless of their bitter rivalry, Cormier got here to Jones’ protection. “Jon Jones, for all the pieces that’s between us, is just not afraid of Francis Ngannou,” Cormier mentioned. “He’s not afraid bro. I perceive that most individuals can be afraid. However guess who else wasn’t afraid? Stipe Miocic, and Derrick Lewis, and Cyril Gane. These guys aren’t afraid.” Jon Jones and Dana White are conducting a public negotiation DC as a substitute believes that these are negotiation ways between the UFC and Jones. “Right here’s the place you begin to play the sport if you happen to’re Dana and Jones. Jones needs his cash, Dana has to indicate that he has choices,” Cormier mentioned. “That’s all that’s taking place, proper? Excessive stage negotiations is what’s happening proper now.” Cormier additionally mentioned whether or not the pound for pound king really believes that he’s able to defeating the brand new UFC heavyweight champ. “Make no mistake about it, Jones believes that he’ll beat Francis Ngannou. As any nice champion would consider that they’d beat him,” Cormier mentioned. “Now, is that the case? I don’t know. However Jon Jones is likely one of the most proficient guys that I’ve ever seen contained in the octagon. And if it’s important to discover somebody that may piece collectively a solution to clear up that puzzle, it’s Jon Jones. Let’s not be loopy right here.” Cormier additionally referred to prior cases the place different high-profile fighters negotiated with the UFC within the public eye. “Jon Jones feels he’s defending himself in opposition to his title. The truth is that they’re simply negotiating in public,” Cormier mentioned. “We’ve seen this with Conor [McGregor], we’ve seen this with different fighters previously. I consider [the fight] occurs. I actually do.” Cormier additionally understands Jones’ need to make more cash. “Jones has defended his title so many instances. So I’d think about that he’s had pay bumps. He now needs his greatest pay bump, and you realize what man? Hats off to him. Go receives a commission, as a result of that is gonna be a large combat for him and the UFC. But when not? If the UFC doesn’t wish to pay him, they’ll simply transfer on to the subsequent man.” Jon Jones Daniel Cormier believes Jones can beat Ngannou Wanting extra towards the potential matchup somewhat than the negotiation fallout of this potential superfight, Cormier thinks that Jones has a major probability to defeat Ngannou. “If Jones can combat his combat, he may doubtlessly choose Francis aside from the skin. He’s that sort of man,” Cormier mentioned. “He’s a wise fighter. He is aware of how you can maneuver and handle fights.” Though Cormier thinks Jones has a strong probability, DC additionally referred to the facility disparity between Bones and Ngannou. “I don’t know if he’ll be capable to hit Francis exhausting sufficient to maintain Francis off of him for 5 rounds by way of Francis looking for the knockout,” Cormier mentioned. “The one factor all of us overlook about with Francis, dude’s received a granite chin. He can take a shot. That proper hand that Stipe hit him with was exhausting, and he received surprised. However then he, 5 seconds later, lands a knockout to finish the combat.” Whereas it could be enjoyable for followers and pundits alike to ponder the potential matchup from a technical standpoint, the MMA neighborhood could also be a bit forward of themselves. In his most up-to-date tweets, Jones has requested his launch. The no. 1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter on the planet is significantly disgruntled with the UFC’s valuation of his value. Hopefully this potential superfight will be made with each side proud of the monetary side of the bout. However till that’s discovered, it could be a bit of too early to imagine Jones will unquestionably be Ngannou’s opponent for his first title protection. Jon Jones fires again at Dana White doubting his need to combat Francis Ngannou UFC 260 highlights & recap: Francis Ngannou blasts Stipe Miocic! (Subscribe to MMAWeekly.com on YouTube)