It Looks Like Jon Jones – Daniel Cormier III Could go Down After All

If you had closed the book on Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier fighting one more time, well, it looks like you may need to reopen it.

After Jones was cleared for his UFC return last year, talk about a third bout with Daniel Cormier spiked. At the time, “DC” held both the heavyweight and light-heavyweight belts. So, understandably, there was plenty of buzz about Jones trying to retake the 205 title from “DC”.

But, Cormier ended up vacating the belt since it was believed he was going to face Brock Lesnar somewhat soon. As a result, hopes for Jones – Cormier began to quickly dissipate, since “Bones” said he wasn’t overly interested in moving up to heavyweight. Further, a consensus started to form that “DC’s” days of fighting at light-heavyweight were over (not to mention, the expectation was Cormier would retire in early 2019).

Well, fast forward to today, and Cormier’s booked to rematch Stipe Miocic at UFC 241, August 17th. But, during an appearance on Ariel Helwani’s “MMA Show”,Cormier revealed he’s still hoping to fight Jones again. So much so, Cormier said he would return to 205 as a means to make it happen (quotes via MMA Junkie):

“It’s all I want,” Cormier said. “I think when I fight Jones, I feel most complete when I’m preparing for competition against that guy.”

“If you want to get right competitively, you go back and get the one you lost,” Cormier said. “If I don’t, trust me, I can be fine. But I’m just fiercely competitive. So when I say if there is another fight after (Miocic), it would have to be that one.”

So, obviously this is pretty massive news, and depending on how things play out, you would think there’s a very good chance this bout happens.

Even if Cormier were to lose to Miocic, provided he emerges from the bout healthy and doesn’t decide to retire, the UFC could still move ahead with Jones – Cormier III. After all, Cormier vacated the light-heavyweight belt.

Now, if Thiago Santos pulls off a big upset on July 6th, when he fights Jones, then maybe, that could throw a wrench into things. Would Jones be interested in fighting Cormier again if no belt is on the line? If he’s not obligated to defend the title against the former champ? Hard to say.

But, despite the fact Jones has defeated Cormier twice (officially, the second victory was overturned due to a USADA flag), there’s no doubt that a trilogy bout would move a lot of tickets and PPV buys.