Jon Jones, the UFC light heavyweight champion, is fighting Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 179 in September for the title. That much is agreed to, although it didn't happen without resistance from the champ nicknamed "Bones." He was adamant that he wanted to face Daniel Cormier instead, no easy opponent despite many fans dissing Jones for "ducking" Gustafsson.
Cormier: Jones isn't "ducking anybody"
At UFC 165 Gustafsson gave Jones all he could handle and then some, before losing a very tight decision thanks to a killer fifth round by the champion. Fans clamored for an immediate rematch, but Jones decided to fight Glover Teixeira instead, easily defeating him this past April. The situation was tricky after Teixeira-while Gustafsson was extremely competitive in that first fight, Cormier hasn't lost a round of UFC action and absolutely destroyed mixed martial arts legend Dan Henderson at UFC 173.
Cain Velasquez predicts Cormier will eventually beat Jones
In the post fight interview, Cormier got Jones' attention with a wrestling-specific comment. "I'm the kid at the wrestling tournament that's always in your bracket!" Cormier said.
"I knew Jon would get the reference, because he was a good wrestler," Cormier said. "Ask Mo Lawal or (former Oklahoma wrestler) Danny Rubenstein about that. Everyone knows there is a toughest guy in your bracket. He's the guy who always shows up. We all know what that's like. You wait until they post the tournament bracket, and you're just wondering if you're going to be facing him in the finals or the semifinals.
"I am that guy for Jon Jones."
Cormier may be that guy, but his turn is not here yet. Not long ago, Cormier also gave his thoughts on rumors Jones was afraid to fight Gustafsson again. "He had to reach so deep into his soul to win that last fight, I truly believe he doesn't want to fight Alex again," Cormier said. "Alex took him somewhere he'd never been before and he doesn't want to go there ever again," Cormier said.
I honestly don't think Jon is afraid, but Alex pushed him to a point in that fight where I don't think he ever wants to go again."
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