While UFC light heavyweight Jon Jones knows he will be defending his belt against surging contender Glover Teixeira next, that hasn’t stopped him from taking verbal shots at a likely future opponent in Daniel Cormier.
In this latest instance, “Bones” tweeted an insult Cormier‘s way when discussing a trip to the Republic of Dagestan.
I’m in Dagestan right now with a small army as my security team.. Borderline nervous, it’s a whole different world over here
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) October 27, 2013
With that being said I love these people. their hospitality is first class nothing but hugs and smiles eating so much Ill look like DC soon
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) October 27, 2013
It didn’t take very long for “DC” to hear about the disparaging remark and clearly did not find the humor in the joke.
@JonnyBones it’s much easier to talk when you know theres two fights seperating us. Keep running ur mouth kid! Jon u can’t beat me!
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) October 27, 2013
The former Olympic-level wrestler also did not like the fact that a fan suggested he was trying to “Chael Sonnen” his way into a title fight.
@RealJTDosanjh he started. Sneak attacking on Twitter. Didn’t even mention me. He uses my initials. So weak
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) October 27, 2013
While Jones vs. Teixeira is yet to officially be booked, UFC president Dana White has gone on the record saying to expect the light heavyweight title tilt to take place in March, per MMA Weekly.
Meanwhile, Cormier, who is undefeated after 13 bouts as a professional mixed martial artist, stated his intent to move down to light heavyweight regardless of the outcome of his UFC 166 fight with Roy Nelson.
Despite winning in convincing fashion, White said that Cormier would not get an immediate title shot at 205 pounds and will have to face a top contender first, per Mixedmartialarts.com.
Jones, the No. 1 fighter in the UFC’s official pound-for-pound rankings, is currently riding a solid 10-fight win streak, including a record-setting six title defenses.
The champ earned some time off after a five-round classic with Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165 last month, the only opponent thus far to be competitive with Jones for a full 25 minutes.
Should Jones get past Teixeira, with DC having a successful debut at light heavyweight as well, would it then be time for the UFC to pull the trigger on a Jones vs. Cormier title bout?
John Heinis is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA Editor for eDraft.com.
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