As for Jones, the fight represents the overcoming of his old self and the subsequent redemption of the new Jones.
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Before the fight took place, Jones had failed an out-of-competition drug test for cocaine – it was revealed shortly after the fight had occurred.
It was the third round that defined this feud between the two, not long in, Jones landed a thunderous leg kick to the side of his ageing foe’s head.
Jones went on to win that one.
If Lesnar is indeed serious of returning to UFC, Jones vs Lesnar is a fight the mma outfit will desperately try to make.
Jones’ yearlong suspension has ended, and the UFC put him right back in a title shot with Cormier, who dutifully defended the belt during the mercurial ex-champion’s absence.
“I believe Jones can beat Cormier eight out of ten times-even ten out of ten times”, he said. From there, rest of the preliminary card shifts to FS1 at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT before heading to pay-per-view for the main card, which starts at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.
Cormier might not like that, but he understands there’s nothing much he can do to change people’s opinions other than go out and beat his rival on Saturday night. “Daniel Cormier has been one of the biggest sources of motivation I’ve had in the last two, 3 years and I thank him for that and for pushing me to a higher level”, said Jones. Because if you look at all the things I have done in my career, I’ve done it all, outside of beating Jon Jones. Jones kept the pressure on and a hurt Cormier crashed to the canvas.
Lesnar vs Jones would be the flawless fight at the ideal time for both guys, and may be well worth the wait.
Jones also told MMA Fighting that he’s upset that Cormier referred to Jon as a “junkie”, and made references about the latter and prostitutes, So, clearly this has gotten personal for Jones. While Cormier has a strong wrestling background, Jones is skilled with his punches and knees. Jones previously defeated Cormier to defend his title at UFC 182.
“It’s unbelievable, man, it’s a surreal moment”, said Jones, whose issues outside of the Octagon – including a hit-and-run incident, accusations of doping, and a stint at rehab – had drawn more attention than his achievements inside of it.
A loss for Cormier will see him forever relegated to second-best, and apparently that’s all it will take for Jones to squash the beef and end the rivalry.
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Look to the other side of the octagon and we see Daniel Cormier as somewhat of a “role model” for the sport, all while Jon Jones represents nearly the complete opposite. Woodley has since fought Stephen Thompson twice, to a majority draw in November 2016 and a majority decision win in March. Cormier has to get this fight to the ground to win, he can’t win a standup battle with Jones.
