Jon Jones Names Daniel Cormier as His Most Skilled Opponent Ahead of UFC 309 Title Defense

Heavyweight champion Jon Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC) is set to defend his title against Stipe Miocic (20-4 MMA, 14-4 UFC) at UFC 309 on November 16th at Madison Square Garden in New York City. This highly anticipated fight marks Jones' first heavyweight title defense and his return to the octagon after a significant hiatus. The weigh-in event saw Jones weigh in at a slightly lighter 237.6 pounds, prompting questions from his long-time rival, Daniel Cormier, about his weight strategy.

Jones's Assessment of Cormier and Miocic's Skills

During a media day, Jones was asked whether Miocic was his most skilled opponent to date. Surprisingly, Jones chose Cormier, despite their heated rivalry and controversial past encounters. Jones stated that Cormier's "Olympic-level wrestling, his dirty boxing, and his boxing" made him the most technically proficient opponent he'd faced. He acknowledged Miocic's achievements, noting that Miocic had defeated Cormier and deserving of his place in the title fight. Jones also praised Miocic’s physical attributes and fighting style, highlighting his wrestling, cardio, and powerful right hand as key aspects of his game.

The Jones-Cormier Rivalry: A Look Back

The rivalry between Jones and Cormier is one of the most intense in UFC history. Their two title fights were marked by both intense competition and considerable controversy. Jones won their first encounter via unanimous decision at UFC 182, and their second fight resulted in a knockout victory for Jones at UFC 214. However, this victory was later overturned to a no contest due to Jones testing positive for a turinabol metabolite. This highlights the complexity and controversy surrounding the Jones-Cormier rivalry, adding another layer to the already intense history between the two fighters. Their rivalry extended beyond the cage, with intense verbal exchanges and public disagreements only further fueling the competition.

Preparing for Miocic: Jones's Training and Perspective

Despite his past experiences, Jones emphasized that his preparation for Miocic was no different than any other opponent. His extensive experience facing diverse fighting styles has equipped him to adapt and overcome challenges. Jones boasts a rich history of fighting in the UFC, spanning 16 years and numerous title defenses. His journey has seen victories over many top contenders, including Rua, Jackson, Evans, Belfort, Teixeira, and Cormier. This impressive list exemplifies his long-standing dominance in the UFC and his experience against elite-level fighters.

Jones's Standout Fight: A Reflection on His Career

Jones also spoke about the fight that stands out the most in his 16-year UFC career. Interestingly, he selected his first fight against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 165. Jones described this as a grueling and challenging match-up that tested his skills to the limit. This fight was remarkable for Gustafsson's ability to take Jones down—a first for the latter—and challenged Jones physically, mentally and strategically. Jones went on to win this fight by unanimous decision. He later faced Gustafsson again in 2019, winning via third-round knockout, this time successfully defending the UFC light heavyweight title. His recollection underscores the lasting impact this early match-up had, shaping his competitive mindset and overall approach to the sport.

The Road to UFC 309: Anticipation and Controversy

The UFC 309 main event between Jones and Miocic has generated considerable excitement among MMA fans. This clash pits two legendary fighters against each other, both with records and legacies that have solidified their place in UFC history. Jones's past controversies, however, continue to fuel the narrative surrounding the upcoming bout. His recent comments about Miocic, fueled by alleged disrespectful remarks toward his children, are generating their own level of heated anticipation and controversy among fans and analysts alike.

Jones's Personal Feelings and the Impact on the Fight

The build-up to UFC 309 has been characterized by more than just the typical pre-fight hype. Jones has openly expressed his personal feelings toward Miocic, fueled by perceived disrespect towards his family. The question remains: will this personal element prove to be a motivating factor for Jones, or will it potentially distract him? Only time will tell.

The Aftermath: A Look Ahead

Regardless of the outcome, UFC 309 promises to be a momentous event. The legacy of Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic will only be enhanced by this epic encounter, regardless of which champion is victorious. The future holds several interesting possibilities, including a potential match between the UFC 309 winner and Tom Aspinall, a match that Jones has been less than keen to pursue. However, for now, the focus remains on the main event, a collision of titans that will surely determine one of the most significant heavyweight clashes in the history of UFC.