Daniel Cormier doesn’t seem as bothered by Jon Jones as he used to be. To Cormier’s credit, he has no problem speaking objectively about Jones despite the intense bad blood the two men have had in the past.
That said, there is a limit to the level of praise Cormier can stand to hear regarding the man Dana White has billed as the GOAT and the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Cormier was a recent guest on the Pound for Pound podcast with Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo, and the former threatened to walk out of the interview after Jones was given a lofty comparison.
The trio was discussing Jones’ responsibility to fight Tom Aspinall.
“As far as UFC, as far as mixed martial arts is concerned,” Usman said. “Don’t say no crazy s###,” Cormier interrupted, anticipating a statement from the former middleweight champion in which he disagreed. “Jon is at the level where Conor [McGregor] is at to choose what he wants to do,” Usman said. “I thought you was about to say he was on the level of Michael Jordan and I was about to leave,” Cormier said. “To be honest, Jon is the Michael Jordan we’ve seen in MMA,” Usman replied. “I’m about to leave,” Cormier said. “You want this interview to be over? Do you just want to be done?”
It was a playful banter and one of the more entertaining segments I’ve seen on a combat sports podcast. Here is a look at the entire episode. The Jones segment begins at the 45:12 mark.
Cormier didn’t hold back the praise for Jones. He talked about his respect for him, but Cormier took issue with Usman putting Jones on the same level as Jordan or LeBron James.
Cormier didn’t point to a lack of accomplishment inside the Octagon that separates Jones from Jordan and James. Instead, he focused on Jones’ transgressions with drugs and alcohol as the traits that diminish his legacy.
With further clarification, Usman agreed.
It is fascinating to see and hear Cormier discuss Jones. Their rivalry was so bitter and deeply rooted, seemingly more so on Cormier’s side, that it’s commendable to see how objective and fair he can be when discussing his old foe.
As it is, Jones is set to defend his UFC heavyweight championship on November 16 at Madison Square Garden against Stipe Miocic in the main event of UFC 309. Aspinall is the backup fighter waiting in the wings if Jones or Miocic is injured or cannot fight for any reason.
Aspinall, who is the interim heavyweight champion, is also expected to get a title shot against the winner unless they retire after the fight.
If Jones or Miocic retires as champion, Aspinall would be elevated to undisputed champion. Jones has suggested that’s what he will do after he wins.
No one truly knows if Jones is playing mind games, something Cormier learned all too well during the throws of their rivalry.
