Jimi Manuwa says ‘bully’ Daniel Cormier is like ‘one of those fat kids in school’

Jimi Manuwa doesn’t like UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and it shows. The British knockout artist has verbally traded barbs with “DC” in the past and has no plans of toning it down in the future. As Manuwa continues his trek up the light heavyweight ladder towards a title shot, he’s aiming to teach Cormier a lesson about bullying.

“To me, he’s like a schoolboy bully – one of those fat kids in school who’s bigger than everyone and throws his weight around and tries to laugh at everyone,” Manuwa told MMAjunkie Radio. “That’s how he comes across to me. But we’re not in school anymore. We’re grown men, and I don’t stand for any of that shit. He can keep on with his trash-talk, and I’ll show him what’s what when we’re face to face.”

Manuwa, who recently knocked out Corey Anderson at UFC Fight Night 107, is scheduled to fight Volkan Oezdemir at UFC 214 on July 29 from Anaheim, Calif., which is the same event that Cormier will defend his title opposite Jon Jones in a rematch. If Manuwa is able to defeat Oezdemir he’ll get the next shot at light heavyweight gold.

“I’m not interested in story lines and stuff. I want the belt. I’m focused on the belt,” Manuwa said. “I’m focused on the world championship belt. Whether Jon Jones gets it or Cormier (defends), they’re both hard fights. They’re both the best in the world, so I want to beat the best in the world. And that’s it for me. I’m not interested in story lines or trash-talk and all this bullshit.”

While Manuwa has looked impressive of late, he’s still behind Cormier and Jones in the skills department. Manuwa has devastating knockout power, but he’s going to have to show more moving forward for fight fans to believe he has what it takes to be champ. And with this guy breathing down his neck, Manuwa will have to move fast.

Jimi Manuwa doesn’t like UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and it shows. The British knockout artist has verbally traded barbs with “DC” in the past and has no plans of toning it down in the future. As Manuwa continues his trek up the light heavyweight ladder towards a title shot, he’s aiming to teach Cormier a lesson about bullying.

“To me, he’s like a schoolboy bully – one of those fat kids in school who’s bigger than everyone and throws his weight around and tries to laugh at everyone,” Manuwa told MMAjunkie Radio. “That’s how he comes across to me. But we’re not in school anymore. We’re grown men, and I don’t stand for any of that shit. He can keep on with his trash-talk, and I’ll show him what’s what when we’re face to face.”

Manuwa, who recently knocked out Corey Anderson at UFC Fight Night 107, is scheduled to fight Volkan Oezdemir at UFC 214 on July 29 from Anaheim, Calif., which is the same event that Cormier will defend his title opposite Jon Jones in a rematch. If Manuwa is able to defeat Oezdemir he’ll get the next shot at light heavyweight gold.

“I’m not interested in story lines and stuff. I want the belt. I’m focused on the belt,” Manuwa said. “I’m focused on the world championship belt. Whether Jon Jones gets it or Cormier (defends), they’re both hard fights. They’re both the best in the world, so I want to beat the best in the world. And that’s it for me. I’m not interested in story lines or trash-talk and all this bullshit.”

While Manuwa has looked impressive of late, he’s still behind Cormier and Jones in the skills department. Manuwa has devastating knockout power, but he’s going to have to show more moving forward for fight fans to believe he has what it takes to be champ. And with this guy breathing down his neck, Manuwa will have to move fast.