UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier understands what Jon Jones might be thinking when it comes to facing some of the top heavyweights.
Jon Jones will face Stipe Miocic in his first UFC heavyweight title defense at UFC 295 in November. He won the then-vacant belt by defeating Ciryl Gane at UFC 285 earlier this year after three years away from the Octagon.
Jones’ UFC future is uncertain past the Miocic fight, as he’s hinted at potential retirement with a win at UFC 295. Despite still arguably remaining in his physical prime, Jones isn’t intrigued by facing another slew of top contenders as he did at light heavyweight.
While Jones has credited top heavyweights, such as Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich, for their accomplishments, he’s only interested in highly profitable fights. The Miocic fight is expected to be one of the biggest pay-per-view hits of the year.
Daniel Cormier, who squared off with Jones twice in their careers, has a unique take on Jones’ hesitance to face other contenders like Aspinall and Pavlovich.
Daniel Cormier Explains Jon Jones’ Mindset In Facing Top Contenders
During a recent podcast episode with Ben Askren, Daniel Cormier weighed in on Jones’ disinterest in facing either Aspinall or Pavlovich.
“My profile was much bigger because of [our] interactions,” Daniel Cormier said. “It really does kinda follow that same formula, where once you fight a guy that’s established, your status kind of grows. But, Jon Jones could elevate those guys, but why? See, the difference is this: when we were older fighting Jones, I was 35 the first time I fought him. He was already the man. Rampage was in his 30s when he fought Jones…Rashad was in his 30s…everybody were in their 30s before he got to guys like Anthony Smith, Thiago Santos…and Jones is kinda like ‘Eh, those guys don’t get me excited’…
“In this one, he says about Aspinall and Sergei, who would absolutely get the juices pumping, he just isn’t interested. Because now, he’s weighing the business versus the actual competition. But to me, I feel like Jon Jones in a headliner, it doesn’t really change much in regards to who he’s fighting.”
Daniel Cormier fought Jon Jones at UFC 182 and UFC 214, losing both contests. UFC 214 was later overturned to a no-contest after Jones tested positive for turinabol.
Towards the end of Jones’ light heavyweight title reign, he admitted not being as excited about facing top contenders as earlier in his career. When he became the UFC’s youngest champion in 2011, he went on to face top stars like Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, and Chael Sonnen.
Jon Jones‘ upcoming fight could be the last of his UFC career unless another legendary name like Miocic steps into the fold and piques his interest.