Tag: daniel cormier

Fans Deserve to See Jon Jones Fight Alexander Gustafsson, Daniel Cormier

At just 26 years old, Jon Jones is the greatest fighter on the planet.
Some, including this author, might say that the reigning light heavyweight champion has placed Anderson Silva and Fedor Emelianenko in his rear-view mirror, effectively becoming the…

At just 26 years old, Jon Jones is the greatest fighter on the planet.

Some, including this author, might say that the reigning light heavyweight champion has placed Anderson Silva and Fedor Emelianenko in his rear-view mirror, effectively becoming the greatest fighter the world has ever seen.

Being the pound-for-pound best doesn’t come without widespread, sometimes well-deserved criticism, though.

Whether it’s refusing to fight Chael Sonnen on short notice, being arrested for DWI or declining to sign a fight contract that would ensure a sequel to one of the greatest fights in the history of the light heavyweight championship, he’s long been a target of fans’ ire.

The first was questionable. The second was inexcusable. The third is unacceptable. 

Fans of Jon Jones deserve more.

Spin it however you’d like, but there’s reason for boxing diehards to disregard Floyd Mayweather Jr. as the greatest fighter to ever live. A perfect record and impenetrable defense is great and all, but many will ceaselessly question why a bout between Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao never came to fruition. 

Color it a dispute over revenue. Call it a clash over performance-enhancing drugs. Know it as a shame—MMA fans cannot let Jones make the same career-defining mistake.

Without a genuine statement from Jones, there’s no real way of understanding what’s preventing him from signing on for the rematch with Alexander Gustafsson. Some have speculated that he wants more money. Dana White has stated that Jones would rather fight Daniel Cormier instead. On his Facebook account, Gustafsson has gone as far as to claim Jones was “running” from him.

Jon ‘Bones’ Jones, be a man, be a champ and sign that bout agreement and stop running. Keep in mind that after I beat you and become the champ I might be doing the same for you when you chase me for a rematch, as a revenge for not accepting my challenge. Sooner or later you will have to face me, just make it sooner! The fans want this fight, UFC wants this fight and I want this fight, and I damn deserve it.

Impatient with the champ’s reluctance to defend his strap, Cormier, the UFC’s No. 2-ranked light heavyweight, has opened himself up to a fight with Gustafsson—a fight that would determine the UFC interim light heavyweight champion. 

Cormier could lose his perfect record, and Gustafsson could lose that near-invincible aura he developed since going on a tear back in 2010—this fight wouldn’t be a good idea.

Jones should fight both because he’s the best to ever be, and some still don’t believe it.

Decisive victories against Gustafsson, the only man who fought him five rounds en route to a questionable decision, and Cormier, another man who many consider to be the only one who could consistently put Jones on his back, would cement his legacy and silence all the naysayers. 

So, please, Jon, sign the contract and continue on your ascendance to unforeseen heights—your fans deserve it.

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Daniel Cormier: Gustafsson Took Jones Somewhere He Never Wants to Go Again

Jon Jones had to reach deep within his soul to defeat Alexander Gustafsson the first time. It was an unexpected nightmare that Daniel Cormier truly believes the UFC light heavyweight champ never wants to experience again.
On September 21, 2013, Air Can…

Jon Jones had to reach deep within his soul to defeat Alexander Gustafsson the first time. It was an unexpected nightmare that Daniel Cormier truly believes the UFC light heavyweight champ never wants to experience again.

On September 21, 2013, Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Canada, played home to arguably the greatest championship fight in UFC history. Jones had effortlessly breezed through every legendary contender attempting to halt his light heavyweight title reign.

Initially, Gustafsson was looked at as little more than a pawn aimed at proving Jones’ success wasn’t completely based on holding significant physical advantages over opponents. For the first time in his career, Jones was tasked with defeating a contender who closely matched him in both height and reach.

Gustafsson snubbed any notion of being a pawn by dragging the UFC champ through the most grueling 25-minute fight of his MMA career. Both fighters could hardly stand on their own two feet by the time the final bell sounded.

Light heavyweight contender Cormier recently told Yahoo Sports that he believes the fight with Gustafsson changed Jones.

“He had to reach so deep into his soul to win that last fight, I truly believe he doesn’t want to fight Alex again,” said Cormier. “Alex took him somewhere he’d never been before and he doesn’t want to go there ever again.”

All three judges scored the fight in Jones’ favor, but there was no doubt the champ held on by the skin of his teeth. Many in the MMA community felt Gustafsson did enough to earn the decision. If anything, they surely felt he was deserving of an immediate rematch.

But UFC President Dana White told ESPN.com in October of last year that Jones asked for Glover Teixeira instead of a rematch with Gustafsson. In a statement released by the UFC, per ESPN.com, Jones validated White’s comments by listing his personal itinerary.

He wanted to crush the UFC record for successful light heavyweight title defenses. After he defeated Teixeira, Jones promised fans a rematch with Gustafsson.

“I will fight Gustafsson after I fight Glover. I won the fight but I look at it as a blemish on my record because some people think I didn’t. I promise you, he will be next,” said Jones.

Fast-forward several months, and it’s like deja vu in the light heavyweight title picture. Gustafsson is once again the clear-cut No. 1 contender, but Jones has yet to sign the bout agreement.

White told UFC.com’s Matt Parrino that Jones is now seeking a fight with Cormier instead of Gustafsson. Even Cormier was dumbfounded when he heard about his name being thrown into the conversation, per Yahoo Sports:

I honestly don’t think Jon is afraid, but Alex pushed him to a point in that fight where I don’t think he ever wants to go again. So obviously, this might benefit me in the long run. And if Jon really believes that I would be the tougher fight, then he would be doing it for the right reason. But if he is saying he wants to fight me because he believes I’d be an easier guy? Man, I don’t know. That’s not good.

The MMA world is always quick to judge and criticize Jones, but at the end of the day, Cormier believes the champ will do the right thing, whether he wants to or not.

“As the champion, it’s his obligation to fight the guy they say is the top challenger, and right now, that is Alexander Gustafsson,” said Cormier. “It’s been strange. At the end of the day, he’ll probably end up fighting Gustafsson again, but this isn’t something he’s volunteering for, I can tell you that.”

 

Jordy McElroy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA writer for Rocktagon.

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Jon Jones Still Hasn’t Signed Contract for Alexander Gustafsson Rematch, Wants Daniel Cormier Instead [UPDATED]


(“Yes, you…the tall kid in the back.” / Photo via MMAWeekly)

During a recent “UFC Embedded” video blog, we saw Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta meet with Jon Jones‘s manager in order to lock down a rematch between Jones and top light-heavyweight contender Alexander Gustafsson. That footage was filmed two weeks ago, and so far, no progress has been made on the fight. Jones’s camp has refused to sign for undisclosed reasons, which probably have to do with money, timing, or both. Luckily, Daniel Cormier has figured out a solution to this stalemate:

“I know this will probably be unpopular,” Cormier told Franklin McNeil of SportsWorldNews.com. “But if [Jones] won’t sign, whether it be for money or a lack of wanting to fight the kid, I’ll fight Alexander Gustafsson. But it should be for the interim title…If they’re putting a belt on the line, I don’t care what date it is. It was never about Jones, I just want the title. Besides, it’ll work out better for [Jones]; he won’t have to fight both of us.”

Keep in mind that Cormier’s knee is a giant question mark right now, which puts his interim title fight suggestion squarely into “just sayin’ stuff” territory. Plus, the UFC usually creates interim titles as a last resort — not a couple months after a healthy champion’s last defense. Furthermore, Cormier’s tongue-in-cheek line that Jones wouldn’t have to fight both DC and Gustafsson is probably the best reason why the UFC wouldn’t pursue this plan.


(“Yes, you…the tall kid in the back.” / Photo via MMAWeekly)

During a recent “UFC Embedded” video blog, we saw Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta meet with Jon Jones‘s manager in order to lock down a rematch between Jones and top light-heavyweight contender Alexander Gustafsson. That footage was filmed two weeks ago, and so far, no progress has been made on the fight. Jones’s camp has refused to sign for undisclosed reasons, which probably have to do with money, timing, or both. Luckily, Daniel Cormier has figured out a solution to this stalemate:

“I know this will probably be unpopular,” Cormier told Franklin McNeil of SportsWorldNews.com. “But if [Jones] won’t sign, whether it be for money or a lack of wanting to fight the kid, I’ll fight Alexander Gustafsson. But it should be for the interim title…If they’re putting a belt on the line, I don’t care what date it is. It was never about Jones, I just want the title. Besides, it’ll work out better for [Jones]; he won’t have to fight both of us.”

Keep in mind that Cormier’s knee is a giant question mark right now, which puts his interim title fight suggestion squarely into “just sayin’ stuff” territory. Plus, the UFC usually creates interim titles as a last resort — not a couple months after a healthy champion’s last defense. Furthermore, Cormier’s tongue-in-cheek line that Jones wouldn’t have to fight both DC and Gustafsson is probably the best reason why the UFC wouldn’t pursue this plan.

For once, the UFC has two marketable challengers lined up to throw at their longtime light-heavyweight ruler; that’s two great opportunities to haul in a ton of revenue from pay-per-view buys and ticket sales. Why would they eliminate one of those fights, when so few big-money matchups are on the horizon?

We appreciate Cormier’s moxie, but there’s no way this happens. Unless it does, of course. For better or worse, anything can happen in this crazy sport.

UPDATE: According to Dana White — who isn’t what you’d call a reliable narrator, but bear with us — Jones wants to fight Cormier instead of Gustafsson:

“Just to clear up a couple things, people think we’re in contract negotiations with Jon Jones — we’re not. Jon Jones still has five fights left on his contract,” White said Monday afternoon in an exclusive interview with UFC.com. “So what we’re doing right now is trying to get him to sign the bout agreement for Gustafsson. He doesn’t want to fight Gustafsson. … Lorenzo and I have a meeting with Jones on Thursday to get him to sign the bout agreement, and he’s asking to fight Cormier instead.” …White said if Jones doesn’t sign the contract, who knows, Cormier vs. Gustafsson could be the move.

Stay tuned for the inevitable Instagram video of Jones mocking fans who think he’s ducking Gustafsson.

UFC: Should Daniel Cormier Wait Around for a Title Shot?

The landscape of mixed martial arts is constantly shifting. Changes, both big and small, occur with such frequency—and for myriad reasons—that one’s plans become little more than tentative hopes.
It is with this fact in mind that Dani…

The landscape of mixed martial arts is constantly shifting. Changes, both big and small, occur with such frequency—and for myriad reasons—that one’s plans become little more than tentative hopes.

It is with this fact in mind that Daniel Cormier should choose his next step wisely.

Given recent performances, the 35-year-old former Olympian would appear to be guaranteed a shot at the light heavyweight title, but they don’t make guarantees like they used to.

Of course, it’s easy to sit on one’s couch and flippantly weigh in on how Cormier should proceed—as I’m doing now—but his path is perhaps less obvious than many seem to think.

Karim Zidan of Bloody Elbow notes that if you ask Dana White—and much of the fanbase—the American Kickboxing Academy standout should remain active while the Jon Jones-Alexander Gustafsson sequel plays out.

It’s not difficult to understand the UFC president’s perspective.

The organisation’s roster of name talent has been decimated by injuries, not to mention The Ultimate Fighter commitments. The last thing the UFC needs is another prominent name sitting on the shelf until the end of the year.

Cormier’s position is simple, though. At 35, his time in the sport is limited. Accepting any fight, regardless of how winnable it appears, comes with a certain amount of risk.

A momentary loss of concentration, a wild haymaker, and he could find himself dropping out of favour, forced to re-stake his claim to a title shot.

Considering what we witnessed at UFC 173, one should eliminate possibilities of one’s peril. The only sure thing in MMA is that there are no sure things. Take a peek at my predictions record if you need a little supporting empirical evidence.

Cormier has looked so formidable lately that the chances of him slipping up against any potential opponent appear slim, though. Indeed, any fight between now and the end of the year is only likely to boost his stock.

What Cormier doesn’t seem to be taking into consideration is how a lengthy layoff could impact his chances when he does eventually fight for the title.

Generally speaking, it is true enough that a 35-year-old has few opportunities left in the sport. Does he want to flirt with the possibility of turning up to one of said opportunities caked in ring rust?

It almost goes without saying at this point that Rashad Evans should be viewed as a cautionary tale for any fighter who considers sitting on the sidelines until his ticket comes up. Based on recent history, training in MMA is more difficult to negotiate safely than any contracted fight.

Training injuries are so common in the sport that the UFC should perhaps consider a participation bonus for simply showing up on fight night. Every news alert is greeted with a wince, as fans fear that yet another hotly anticipated bout has been lamed by the athletes’ head-scratching training practices.

Any path taken by Cormier requires traversing certain hazards, but the consequences of playing the waiting game are potentially disastrous.

This is the most pivotal moment of his career, and now is not the time to keep the bench warm.

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Daniel Cormier: If Jon Jones Stalls, I’ll Fight Gustafsson for Interim Title

UFC light heavyweight contender Daniel Cormier is anxiously waiting to see if divisional champion Jon Jones will rematch Alexander Gustafsson, but he isn’t content to wait much longer. 
If that highly anticipated matchup isn’t going to happen as a…

UFC light heavyweight contender Daniel Cormier is anxiously waiting to see if divisional champion Jon Jones will rematch Alexander Gustafsson, but he isn’t content to wait much longer. 

If that highly anticipated matchup isn’t going to happen as a result of the champ’s contract negotiations (per MMA Fighting), “DC” wants to let Gustafsson know a plan B awaits if need be, per Sports World News.)

“I know this will probably be unpopular, but if [Jones] won’t sign, whether it be for money or a lack of wanting to fight the kid, I’ll fight Alexander Gustafsson,” Cormier said. “But it should be for the interim title…If they’re putting a belt on the line, I don’t care what date it is. It was never about Jones, I just want the title…Besides, it’ll work out better for [Jones]; he won’t have to fight both of us.”

The former Olympian is undefeated as a professional mixed martial artist, improving to 15-0 last week when he choked Dan Henderson unconscious at UFC 173, in what was a completely one-sided affair. 

A top contender at heavyweight, easily defeating Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva and ex-UFC heavyweight champs Josh Barnett and Frank Mir, Cormier dropped down to 205 pounds in February when he made short work of newcomer Patrick Cummins. 

While it’s impossible to deny the American Kickboxing Academy product is on the short list of light heavyweight title contenders, most pundits would prefer to see Jones vs. Gustafsson II first. 

Their first encounter marked the only time inside the Octagon Jones has truly been tested, with the bloody, brutal, back-and-forth September matchup at UFC 165 almost unanimously receiving “Fight of the Year” honors from MMA media outlets. 

Gustafsson next showed his dominance by easily outstriking previously undefeated prospect Jimi Manuwa at UFC Fight Night 37 in March, finishing him with a knee and barrage of subsequent punches in the second round. 

Meanwhile, Jones dialed in a nearly flawless performance in April, battering Glover Teixeira for five rounds at UFC 172 in April. 

Gustafsson has recently taken to Facebook to try and goad “Bones” into signing up for a rematch, but that tactic hasn’t panned out just yet. 

According to the UFC’s official rankings, Gustafsson and Cormier are the No. 1 and No. 2 light heavyweight contenders in the world, respectively. 

In the event Jones plans on sitting out for an extended period of time to secure a lucrative UFC deal, would Cormier vs. Gustafsson for the light heavyweight interim title be what the fans want to see?

 

John Heinis is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA editor for eDraft.com.

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Daniel Cormier Suffered Knee Injury Before UFC 173, Still Whooped Dan Henderson’s Ass


(Props: Getty via UFC Instagram)

As if Daniel Cormier‘s total domination of Dan Henderson at UFC 173 wasn’t impressive enough, it turns out that DC managed to do it all on a bum knee. As Ariel Helwani reported on yesterday’s edition of UFC Tonight, Cormier injured his lateral collateral ligament (LCL) just ten days before his fight against Henderson, and briefly feared that he’d have to pull out. Instead, he soldiered on and the rest is history.

Cormier will have his knee assessed in the next few weeks, and may decide to have surgery to fix an existing problem with his ACL. While that plan would put him out of action for the rest of 2014, he had already planned to wait for a title shot against the winner of Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson, which is tentatively scheduled for August 30th. In other words, the timing could be ideal — unless Gustafsson wins in a controversial split-decision and the UFC decides to do an immediate rubber-match. As Dana White recently pointed out, waiting for your title shot rarely works out the way you want it to.

Cormier also busted a tooth while slamming Hendo to the mat during their fight, and had to get it pulled on Monday.


(Props: Getty via UFC Instagram)

As if Daniel Cormier‘s total domination of Dan Henderson at UFC 173 wasn’t impressive enough, it turns out that DC managed to do it all on a bum knee. As Ariel Helwani reported on yesterday’s edition of UFC Tonight, Cormier injured his lateral collateral ligament (LCL) just ten days before his fight against Henderson, and briefly feared that he’d have to pull out. Instead, he soldiered on and the rest is history.

Cormier will have his knee assessed in the next few weeks, and may decide to have surgery to fix an existing problem with his ACL. While that plan would put him out of action for the rest of 2014, he had already planned to wait for a title shot against the winner of Jon Jones vs. Alexander Gustafsson, which is tentatively scheduled for August 30th. In other words, the timing could be ideal — unless Gustafsson wins in a controversial split-decision and the UFC decides to do an immediate rubber-match. As Dana White recently pointed out, waiting for your title shot rarely works out the way you want it to.

Cormier also busted a tooth while slamming Hendo to the mat during their fight, and had to get it pulled on Monday.