If Jon Jones wants a tune up fight, Cormier defends UFC title vs Manuwa in July

Daniel Cormier will defend his UFC belt this July, and his opponent depends on Jon Jones wanting the title shot or not.

Dana White recently told ESPN that Daniel Cormier will defend his title in July, either at UFC 213 or UFC 214. According to the UFC president, his opponent depends on Jon Jones wanting the title rematch, or a tune up fight for his return bout.

Jones’ suspension from USADA ends on the first week of July.

“Cormier is available to fight on July 8, but that time frame doesn’t work for Jon Jones,” White told Brett Okamoto. “Cormier already told me he’s willing to fight either Jones or Manuwa.

“If Jon Jones is ready to fight [by UFC 214] on July 29, we’ll see the Jones versus Cormier rematch, finally.”

According to the report, White said that if Jones elects to go for a tune up fight first, Jimi Manuwa gets the title shot instead.

Cormier recently defeated Anthony Johnson at UFC 210. His heated post-fight speech addressed both Manuwa and Jones, giving the promotion good options, and material to market either bout easily. DC has also been engaging with Manuwa on social media as of late, and also confirming that the bouts have indeed been offered verbally.

@dc_mma take the fight Daniel.

— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) April 17, 2017

After all that barking @dc_mma trying to duck the fight?

— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) April 17, 2017

I did. I’ll smash u any day bum! U will get embarrassed. U and I both know it. Now u get what u asked for. U won’t last a round. https://t.co/0YqPfOvhtj

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) April 17, 2017

Have u lost ur mind. I was working last weekend. But immediately said yes jimi can get it. Ur a bum! U won’t see the 2nd round https://t.co/dOXjPuyNn5

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) April 17, 2017

@dc_mma Sign the deal CHAMP !!!! stop all your commentator WWE shit. U trying to catch jones rusty. I give u 2 rounds with that big head.

— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) April 17, 2017

I’m not trying to catch anything. Let’s go! I wanna fight you! Jones needs to get his sea legs back. Where’s the contract. This light work https://t.co/GIiBKUTCmN

— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) April 17, 2017

Daniel Cormier will defend his UFC belt this July, and his opponent depends on Jon Jones wanting the title shot or not.

Dana White recently told ESPN that Daniel Cormier will defend his title in July, either at UFC 213 or UFC 214. According to the UFC president, his opponent depends on Jon Jones wanting the title rematch, or a tune up fight for his return bout.

Jones’ suspension from USADA ends on the first week of July.

“Cormier is available to fight on July 8, but that time frame doesn’t work for Jon Jones,” White told Brett Okamoto. “Cormier already told me he’s willing to fight either Jones or Manuwa.

“If Jon Jones is ready to fight [by UFC 214] on July 29, we’ll see the Jones versus Cormier rematch, finally.”

According to the report, White said that if Jones elects to go for a tune up fight first, Jimi Manuwa gets the title shot instead.

Cormier recently defeated Anthony Johnson at UFC 210. His heated post-fight speech addressed both Manuwa and Jones, giving the promotion good options, and material to market either bout easily. DC has also been engaging with Manuwa on social media as of late, and also confirming that the bouts have indeed been offered verbally.