Daniel Cormier doesn’t essentially agree along with his former foe Jon Jones with regards to his reasoning to cross on a possible battle in opposition to Tom Aspinall however that doesn’t imply anyone is operating scared.
Within the days main as much as his heavyweight title protection in opposition to Stipe Miocic within the UFC 309 fundamental occasion, Jones revealed that he has little interest in dealing with Aspinall because the interim champion but when he chooses to battle once more, mild heavyweight champion Alex Pereira is perhaps value his time. For his half, Cormier understands why Pereira is the preferrable matchup over Aspinall however he doesn’t purchase that Jones is afraid of any opponent he may face within the octagon.
“Jon Jones isn’t afraid of Tom Aspinall,” Cormier mentioned on his YouTube channel. “I want individuals would cease saying that. He isn’t afraid of that man. He’s not afraid of anybody. He’s not afraid to battle this man. He’s not.
“I feel he’s making an attempt to be extra strategic I feel he’s making an attempt to verify his legacy stands. I don’t know the way it may ever be pale. I imply we do have quick recollections however may you ever overlook what he did? I don’t assume combating Tom Aspinall with the potential that he would lose is a foul factor. However as most would anticipate him to win the battle.”
When it comes to consideration and promoting pay-per-views, Cormier completely understands why Jones would reasonably face Pereira over Aspinall however he additionally believes there’s one more reason why that individual battle holds extra weight with the reigning UFC heavyweight champion.
“Sure, financially it might make sense,” Cormier defined. “It could [also] be a lot much less dangerous due to that evident gap within the matchup. I don’t know if Alex Pereira can defend takedowns in opposition to the very best guys. He’s wrestling Glover [Texeira], I’m certain Glover’s instructing him tips on how to defend takedowns. I’m certain Glover, who’s an amazing wrestler himself, has him ready however I don’t understand how he’ll do in dwell motion in opposition to a really elite [high level] wrestler. As a result of Jan Blachowicz isn’t and he was capable of take him down successfully.
“So yeah, Jon would like that matchup as a result of it’s a lot much less dangerous than combating Tom Aspinall. Financially, he does have a degree. That’s the greatest cash battle for him with the much less threat as a result of individuals now know Pereira.”
The place Cormier splits from Jones is when he stopped simply in need of calling Aspinall a “no one” and added that the British born heavyweight simply hasn’t overwhelmed anyone worthwhile to get his consideration. Jones acknowledged that he was performed risking his legacy in opposition to up and coming fighters making an attempt to construct a reputation off of him.
As a lot as Jones protested about Aspinall’s resume, Cormier says the argument falls quick as a result of he’s not simply taking up some random contender within the division. Jones could be dealing with the interim champion and Aspinall’s accomplishments to earn that belt can’t be ignored.
“[Mauricio] ‘Shogun’ [Rua] needed to battle Jon Jones again within the day,” Cormier mentioned. “‘Rampage’ [Quinton Jackson] needed to battle Jon Jones again within the day. These guys have been massive names that fought him because the younger man that was a champion and he made a reputation off of all these legends. In order that by the point that I obtained to him, he was a legend. Already in 2015, 2016, he was already a legend in combating years however that was solely as a result of he had overwhelmed all these nice guys earlier than. It truly is the story of sport, proper? The story of leisure.
“Earlier than Michael Jordan might be Michael Jordan, he needed to undergo the Detroit Pistons, who have been profitable within the 80s. He needed to beat the Boston Celtics to get to the finals, who have been going forwards and backwards with the Lakers. The previous guard has to get handed by for the brand new guard to occur. So for Jon to say he’s a no one — however is he actually? He’s the world champ. Truthfully, that’s who he’s. He’s the No. 2 heavyweight on the earth. He’s the interim champ. He’s not a man that’s simply working his manner by the division. This can be a man that’s smashed the division.”
By all accounts, Jones isn’t budging on his disinterest with regards to Aspinall however Cormier additionally argues that this might simply be a approach to publicly negotiate for a a lot larger purse to take that battle.
If the UFC actually needs to make Jones vs. Aspinall, it would drive the promotion so as to add a few additional zeroes to any potential payday to make it occur.
However Cormier additionally understands the danger versus reward state of affairs for Jones the place he may face a heavyweight like Aspinall with eight finishes within the UFC with just one opponent making it previous the primary spherical or he may tackle a lightweight heavyweight in Pereira, who’s a deadly striker however not referred to as a prime degree grappler.
“I don’t assume he’s scared,’ Cormier mentioned. “Is there a fear that he may lose that match? As I learn [his comments], it sounds an increasing number of prefer it. However he’s not due to worry. He doesn’t actually really feel just like the juice is definitely worth the squeeze.”