Former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier recently reacted to Jon Jones' clearest retirement statement to date.
Jones is set to make his first defense of the heavyweight title at UFC 309 this coming November, 20 months on from his crowning at the expense of Ciryl Gane in March 2023. The long wait was caused by an injury to the champ, which previously forced him out of a planned showdown with Stipe Miocic.
In the time since their canceled title clash last November, the division has seen an interim titleholder crowned in Tom Aspinall, who has even notched a successful defense in 2024 by getting the better of Curtis Blaydes.
While that's left many calling for Jones to unify the title against the Brit, both he and the UFC have long remained firm on rebooking the Miocic matchup. "Bones" has been the subject of criticism for that, with plenty suggesting he'll likely retire following the Nov. 16 event and avoid facing Aspinall.
The chances of that increased a few days ago when Jones told
During a recent episode of his Funky and the Champ YouTube show alongside Ben Askren, Cormier reacted to Jones' latest remarks while in Las Vegas for UFC 306 this past weekend.
"DC" acknowledged that there isn't much left at heavyweight that's worth Jones prolonging his career for. But what there is, however, is an interim champ in Aspinall, and his presence is enough for Cormier to see Jones' potential retirement as leaving incomplete work behind.
This is the fight that you want in Madison Square Garden, 1,000 percent," Cormier said. "(But) hearing Jones say — or hearing the rumor that Jones said, 'This is it for me,' it sucks because I do believe that there is some work left to be done, with Aspinall mainly. I don't think anyone else right now warrants him sticking around. We saw what he did to Ciryl Gane.
The guy's obviously doing well, probably just doesn't want to fight anymore. So what happens, right? You walk away," Cormier continued. "I believe that when push comes to shove, they might nudge him if he gets through Stipe. They nudge you, they nudge you, they nudge you, and then you end up getting more money and then you ultimately fight.
It remains to be seen whether or not Jones will follow through with his frequent hints at retirement come fight night at MSG.
But with Tom Aspinall set to be in New York City as the backup fighter, it stands to reason that "Bones" will have a vocal interim counterpart in attendance as he announces his decision.
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