Daniel Cormier Talks Jon Jones’ Heavyweight Move, Khabib’s Retirement

Daniel Cormier doesn’t see anything wrong with Jon Jones getting an immediate title shot in the UFC heavyweight division.

Jones relinquished his light heavyweight title last August, and has no plans of moving back down to the 205lbs division.

Immediate Title Shot

The 33 year old is expected to make his heavyweight debut this year, but if he wants an immediate shot at the title, he will have to wait for the winner of Stipe Miocic vs Francis Ngannou, believed to be in the works for March. This after UFC president Dana White confirmed Jones won’t jump the line ahead of ‘The Predator’.

If he does bypass everyone in the division to fight for the belt right off the bat, Cormier doesn’t see anything wrong with it, as he believes Jones deserves an immediate title shot, ‘DC’ told SCMP MMA.

“I think he’s gonna get a title fight,” Cormier said. “And I don’t see anything wrong with that. I think for all he’s accomplished over the course of his career, if anyone is deserving of an immediate title shot it’s Jon Jones.”

Jon Jones’ Chances At Heavyweight

Cormier has fought Jones twice at light heavyweight, at UFC 182 and UFC 214, but came up short on both occasions. Following a five round war in their first fight, ‘Bones’ scored a third round TKO victory in the rematch. Although it was later overturned to a no-contest after he failed a drug test.

With first hand experience fighting against the light heavyweight GOAT, Cormier believes his two time opponent has the skills and fighting style to succeed against the big boys.

“I do believe when he gets to heavyweight and he’s competing there, he’s gonna be very successful,” Cormier stated. “I’ve competed with the guy on a couple of occasions and felt him and seen him and experienced his skill level, and I do believe that with the skill he possesses, with the fighting style, and honestly the guy is smart, he’s a very smart fighter in there. I think he can take that and it will translate to him being successful at heavyweight.”

Khabib Nurmagomedov

Cormier’s good friend Khabib Nurmagomedov bowed out of MMA in his prime at UFC 254, much to the shock and disappointment of his fans all around the world. Like most fans, the former two division UFC champion would also love to see his AKA teammate fight again, but believes he is a man of his word.

“It makes it very difficult when I have to answer these questions because you know why the UFC wants him back – you should, everybody wants him back,” Cormier said. “But the reality is I just take my buddy at his word. If he says he’s not fighting, then he’s not fighting. If he says he’s coming back, then he’s coming back.

“I just care about Khabib the person. I don’t really care if he’s fighting or not fighting, you know. Of course I would love for him to fight, it’s always fun to watch him prepare and compete. It would be great for the UFC if he did compete again, but if he doesn’t, I still love the guy as much as I do when he’s an active competitor.”

Do you think we’re more likely to see Jon Jones win the UFC heavyweight title, or see Khabib Nurmagomedov return to the Octagon?

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