Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones have one of the most bitter rivalries in mixed martial arts (MMA). But when it comes to giving props when props are due, “DC” has often ignored his beef with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight champion to do so.
Indeed, after learning of Jon Jones’ quest to land a bout against Heavyweight knockout artist, Francis Ngannou, Cormier was very impressed.
“I will insult Jones on any day of the week, but I will also give him credit where credit is due, and I truly believe that this Francis Ngannou thing is one of the most gangster things in the world,” Cormier said on “Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show” (transcribed by MMA Junkie).
Cormier also went on to slam the critics who say professional fighters fear stepping in the cage with another human.
“Why would you be afraid of anyone, especially if you’re a guy that has the accomplishments of Jon Jones,” he said. “Why? That’s the thing I don’t get when people say me or Jon Jones, that we’re afraid of somebody. It’s the most asinine thing in the world.
“I think that this Jones thing is cool,” he continued. “He’s like, ‘OK, you want to fight? Let’s do it.’ That’s what any person in the world — a true fighter — would do, and I think, hats off to Jones.”
Ngannou took Jones’ social media bait, as the two men have gone back-and-forth on social media, leading many to believe that an epic showdown between them could actually happen very soon.
First you can save the rest of your tongue pictures for your other homies and yes I’m right here, just waking up from watching that Derek Lewis fight again. You ain’t scaring nobody, I saw your heart. You’re a big old mouse, I’ll expose you https://t.co/F6FEcc4mGE
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) May 20, 2020
Unfortunately, UFC President Dana White isn’t sold on the idea that two of his biggest stars actually want to follow through. But since Ngannou’s title shot isn’t going to happen anytime soon because of the uncertainty of the Miocic vs Cormier trilogy bout — and Jones pretty much cleaning out the 205-pound weight class — now is as good a time as any to make it happen.