Daniel Cormier: Put me up against Jon Jones as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter

Earlier today, Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix winner Daniel Cormier came out with some interesting statements concerning MMA’s most oft-discussed man, UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones. While Cormier has been a Heavyweight throughout his whole career and is set to face former champion Frank Mir in Strikeforce’s final Heavyweight bout ever on November 3rd, he seems to have grand ideas for his foray into the UFC. Speaking to BloodyElbow.com, Cormier relayed the following about a possible move down to 205lbs.:

“Dana already said he thinks I’d do well at 205. If he offered me a fight down there against Jon Jones, and gave me some time to get the weight off safely, shoot, I’d jump on that in a heartbeat. It’s like all the guys wanting to fight Floyd Mayweather or Roy Jones when he was the best. As a champion, and one of the best fighters in the world, guys should always step up to the plate and want to fight Jon Jones. So, if Dana said, ‘Daniel, I’ll give you some time to make the weight’, I’d gladly take that fight if Cain is the champion at Heavyweight.”

So, Cormier is expressing his attitude as that of a company man, before even fighting in the UFC Octagon. Cormier is on a roll, having an undefeated record while using his Olympic wrestling to beat opponents into submission. He couples this with heavy hands, winning a one-sided decision over long-time Heavyweight contender Josh Barnett in the Grand Prix Final last May. Cormier even detailed a plan to face Jon Jones, one that would give him time to both get accustomed to the fans and cut the weight needed to fight at Light Heavyweight:

“Give Jon a challenge that he doesn’t get from most guys, and that’s something that I present. Hopefully, him and I get through our next fight. At the beginning of the year, let us coach the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. How does that sound? I’m throwing it out there right now. Let’s do it. He hasn’t coached the show before, and neither have I. Let the fans get to know me better by putting me on TV for two and a half months, and then put me and Jon in a fight. Jon’s a good wrestler, but I’ve wrestled at a different level. I’m gonna pressure him. I’m gonna take him down. I think it would be great for everybody, all around. I can tell you with 100% confidence in myself and in my ability, that if I was to fight him, or anyone else in the world, at some point in that fight, if I decide to put them on their back, I’m putting them on their back.”

If this situation was to play out next year it could result in a huge bout and a huge challenge for Jon Jones. Will we see Daniel Cormier face Jon Jones next year?

Further Reading: Jon Jones – I think the UFC has learned a lesson