Probably the most anticipated fight that I can remember, pits the imho, the current best p4p and certainly one of the best ever in history, Jon Jones, vs the dangerous and elusively strong wrestler, Daniel Cormier. The odds have Jon Jones favored -165 at Intertops, but most Pros have been picking Cormier to come out on top. In fact, from my research most fans think Cormier will be victorious as well.
There is no doubt, Cormier is unlike anyone Jon Jones has faced previously. The only one close to similar skills would be Rashad Evans, who has fought at heavyweight, had a great wrestling game, and Jones won that easily. HOWEVER, Cormier is a different beast. He stands in the pocket better, he throws tighter punches, and his wrestling is undeniably much better. Cormier wrestles effortlessly. It is different. Plain and simple. There is barely a struggle. Its all in his hips and where he places his base. It is second nature.
Cormier has gone the distance with fighters several times against fights with lesser fighters – much lesser. I have to think this one will at LEAST go the distance against one of the greatest fighters ever even in a Jon Jones loss. Those decisions were also very lopsided fights all unanimously in Cormier’s favor. Jones on the other hand has finished more fights, but also has a few unanimous decisions. The ONE fight that is questionable was against Gustaffson, which I think Jones lost a close one there, but it really was so close, Gustaffson didn’t take it away from the champ, so the judges didn’t it score it in Gustaffson’s favor. I understand that.
With the odds favoring Jones, I think this is a pass, however, I have been thinking Cormier will win this fight for a long time and now I’m switching it and think Jones will pull off an amazing win. As much as people are talking about Jones not facing a wrestler of this caliber, conversely, Cormier has not fought against a striker of Jones caliber. Nor has he fought someone with this reach. If Jones can sprawl and brawl plus avoid the takedown, I think Jones will win this. If either gets on top, I think its going to be problems for either fighter, but I think Jones survives more top damage, than Cormier will.