Daniel Cormier vs Jon Jones rematch possible for UFC 214 according to Dana White
UFC president Dana White spoke to ESPN reporter Brett Okamoto about the possibility of the long awaiting rematch between the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier and the former Champion, Jon Jones happening this July at UFC 214.
The pair first fought at UFC 182 in 2015. Jon Jones won the fight via unanimous decision but was later stripped of the UFC Light Heavyweight title. After a string of incidents from Jones, the rematch between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier was due to take place in the main event at UFC 200 back in July last year but Jones was removed after it was discovered that he had failed a drugs test. This resulted in Jones being stripped of his then Interim title and suspended by the NSAC for one year.
Due to make his return once more since that latest suspension, Dana White said he is open to booking the rematch for UFC 214 in Anaheim this July provided that Jones wants an immediate title shot. If not, then the Champion Daniel Cormier will take on contender Jimi Manuwa instead.
Daniel Cormier and Jimi Manuwa have recently been going back and forth over twitter.
I did. I’ll smash u any day bum! U will get embarrassed. U and I both know it. Now u get what u asked for. U won’t last a round. https://t.co/0YqPfOvhtj
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) April 17, 2017
Have u lost ur mind. I was working last weekend. But immediately said yes jimi can get it. Ur a bum! U won’t see the 2nd round https://t.co/dOXjPuyNn5
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) April 17, 2017
Wow I get on here and ur yapping ur mouth this morning. Let’s make a deal. No wrestling , no kicking. I’ll beat u str8 boxing chump! https://t.co/UtMbfEwJc2
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) April 17, 2017
I’m not trying to catch anything. Let’s go! I wanna fight you! Jones needs to get his sea legs back. Where’s the contract. This light work https://t.co/GIiBKUTCmN
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) April 17, 2017
Actually there are many ways to beat you. I can do it however I want. U know that. I’ll fight you. I’ll give u ur moment in the sun. https://t.co/uxNU74IsiA
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) April 17, 2017
“Cormier is available to fight on July 8, but that time frame doesn’t work for Jon Jones,” Dana White told Brett Okamoto. “Cormier already told me he’s willing to fight either Jones or Manuwa.”
“If Jon Jones is ready to fight (by UFC 214) on July 29, well see the Jones versus Cormier rematch finally,” Dana White continued.
Dana White has previously said that he cannot trust putting Jon Jones back in a headline main event spot again but it is unclear however at this point if that thought has changed.
It all now comes down to Jon Jones, if he is ready for an immediate title shot or if he wants a tune up fight first. Waiting in the wings though will be Jimi Manuwa who is eagerly waiting for his opportunity for a shot at the belt next.