Jon “Bones” Jones sure is back. He appears to be in the most terrifying physical shape of his career, and is already talking about fighting at UFC 198 in April, which is significant because it’s currently slated to be the first UFC card in history to be held in New York.
The stage is set for a massive clash between Jones and his rival Daniel Cormier to have a rematch for the UFC light heavyweight title that was stripped from Jones over the summer. Except for one thing – Cormier does not want to fight Jones in New York.
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“I don’t want to do it. I don’t think he should be rewarded after coming off of what he came off of,” Cormier told MMA Junkie. Jones tested positive for cocaine ahead of his win over Cormier in January, and then was arrested for a hit-and-run in New Mexico that left a pregnant woman injured. He was stripped of his title and suspended indefinitely for that transgression.
Jones and Cormier have expressed a deep-seated dislike for one another, and both men have claims to being in the right. Jones never “lost” his belt, so even though Cormier is the champion, he was defeated by Jones when they last fought. On the other hand, Cormier has represented the UFC admirably, and run through stiff challenges in Jones’ absence. This could be a situation where the UFC either has to step in and force Cormier to bite the bullet, or have Jones fight someone else, and give Ryan Bader a title shot vs. Cormier on a different date.
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Cormier did say he’d be willing to re-visit the notion when he’s closer to preparing for another fight. In terms of athletic career, a chance to main event a fight in the Garden, that’s amazing. That’s an amazing opportunity, so we’ll revisit it after the holidays and see where I stand,” Cormier said.
For the sake of his reputation, Cormier must find that he stands on the side of taking that fight. Main eventing the UFC’s first New York City fight card would be an iconic moment in MMA history, firstly. Second, Cormier would look like he’s ducking the new-look Jones, who is the only man to have beaten him. Bader is on an impressive streak right now, but he’s unquestionably a step below Jones in the rankings, and he’s suffered a defeat to Jones before. The UFC can’t afford to have its light heavyweight champion look like he’s ducking the best fight.
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