The mixed martial artist, 37, fought ‘DC’, 45, in 2015 and 2017 where he defeated Cormier in both matches - though the result of the second fight was ultimately overturned to a no contest after Jones tested positive for a turinabol metabolite - and now ‘Bones’ has praised his old rival for being one of the best fighters he's come up against in his career.
At the UFC 309 press conference earlier this week (15.11.24) for his fight with Stipe Miocic, Jones said: “I think actually Daniel Cormier is probably the most skilled.
“His Olympic-level wrestling, his dirty boxing, and his boxing. But, Stipe’s beat Daniel Cormier. Stipe, he deserves to be here, man.
“He can wrestle. He always comes lean and in shape. He has great cardio, and he has that right hand. Whether it’s the straight right, overhand right, or right uppercut, that’s his real weapon. That’s his ticket. We’re very aware of that, and we’re very prepared for that.”
The heavyweight champion is due to face ‘Stone Cold’ Miocic at the Madison Square Garden stadium, New York, on Sunday (17.11.24), which he previously said would “more than likely” be his last fight before he retires.
Even so, interim heavyweight title-holder Tom Aspinall is being eyed by UFC president Dana White to get into the ring with Jones if he beats Miocic.
‘Bones’ is seemingly not open to this prospect, as he quickly shot down the idea and told White and fans to “knock it off”.
