Corey Anderson Says Jon Jones is “Dilly-Dallying Around my Name”, Picking “One-Dimensional” Opponents

As it stands right now, it looks like Jon Jones will likely fight Dominick Reyes next. But, Corey Anderson says that’s because the light-heavyweight champ doesn’t really want a “tricky fight”.

Jones’ comments about Reyes

After Reyes quickly took out former middleweight champ Chris Weidman at UFC Boston last month, the 12-0 fighter called for a bout with Jones. Initially, Jones didn’t sound too keen on fighting Reyes. But more recently the champ relayed he and his coaching staff had decided Reyes is a more serious challenger than Corey Anderson, and that he would fight him next.

More recently, Jones strongly hinted that he is indeed, going to face Reyes next, and in the near future.

Anderson’s take on Jones’ fight selection

Well, as you likely know, Anderson has also been calling for a title shot, on account of his four fight winning streak. Anderson’s demands have peaked, understandably, following his quick, stoppage win over Johnny Walker at UFC 244 earlier this month.

Before Jones’ latest tweets regarding his next bout, Anderson spoke with MMA Fighting.and while doing so, the talented wrestler said this:

“I’ve been saying it since last year when I called for the fight,” Anderson said. “He tweeted me saying, ‘You want the smoke?’ I answered back I want it right now. All of a sudden, he started dilly-dallying around my name, calling other people out. He’s avoiding me…

“When you look back at UFC 181, I beat Justin Jones, and I said back then I beat a Jones, but the goal is to beat the Jones with the belt. I want it. I think he knows it’s a dangerous fight. It’s a risky fight.”

“All these guys he fights are one-dimensional,” Anderson said. “Dominick Reyes is a great striker, but he doesn’t have the best wrestling defense. He has OK jiu-jitsu. Thiago [Santos], we knew he was a striker, but that was it. We knew Anthony Smith, his only chance was if you gas out and you let him get you down or some sh*t, or he gets you at the end.

“But when you’ve got a guy like me who has the cardio, who has the striking, and has the wrestling the same or better than Jon Jones, as well as the jiu-jitsu that can match him, then it’s like, that’s a tricky fight — does he want that fight right now, or does he want to keep getting these easy wins, stack his bread and keep breaking records?”

Now, Jones supporters would likely point out that he’s fought Daniel Cormier – one of the best wrestlers in MMA – twice, and went undefeated in both bouts. But, in terms of Jones’ most recent opponents – Alexander Gustafsson, Santos and Smith, it’s certainly true that none of them are known as wrestlers. You can say the same for Reyes.