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NEW YORK – If Jon Jones beats Alexander Gustafsson in his December 29 return match against future vacant UFC light heavyweight champion, do not expect him to look for a third fight with Daniel Cormier soon. Or never again.
Jones (22-1, 1 NC) reiterated his position Friday at a press conference of UFC 232 at the Madison Square Garden Theater, just one day before Cormier (21-1, 1 NC ) defends his heavyweight title against Derrick Lewis at UFC 230 After hearing about Cormier's recent comments that, if he loses his heavyweight title on Saturday, he would be defending his crown of 205 pounds (instead of being caught in front of Jones-Gustafsson II), the 31-year-old could only laugh.
"There is no reason to give him a fight," Jones said. "He was knocked out the last time we fought."
Jones has not fought since Cormier's third-round TKO in their July 2017 rematch was reversed in a draw after Jones failed his second drug test in as many points. 39; years. Despite the fact that USADA should be suspended for 2 to 4 years as a repeat offender, Mr. Jones recently saw his sentence reduced to 15 months, the time he was allowed to return. An independent referee ruled that Jones had not knowingly taken the forbidden steroid Turinabol.
The Jones-Cormier rivalry is considered by many to be the largest in the history of the UFC because of the sincere contempt that each fighter makes to each other. Jones, who won his first game by decision in 2015, was also questioned about the fact that he would be open to a third fight against Cormier at the heavyweights.
"I would be fighting DC in the heavyweights, but I feel like I have nothing to prove," Jones said. "I beat him twice and I feel that the heavyweight fighter gives him all the cards. I have nothing to prove to Daniel Cormier. I always say that many of my fights are not personal. awesome, and it's not just about individual rivals.
"To challenge myself to Daniel Cormier would be a personal matter – if he had beaten me, I could see myself challenging him, but I feel that I have done enough for my legacy."
At Cormier's press briefing on UFC 230 media day Thursday, the two-division champion said that an elusive victory over Jones was no longer a must-have for his legacy thanks to his victory in July over Stipe Miocic as heavyweight champion.
"[Jones] hit me; the guy beat me. But that does not give me the impression that I have to go after him, said Cormier. I've already done something to the point that it no longer dictates my way. And the fact that I became a heavyweight as a lightweight heavyweight champion and won the belt makes it feel good.
"And for a long time, that's what people thought he'd do.He was light heavyweight champion for four years and never really fought the heavyweight champion." After three years. "
Jones, who joins Cormier on the short list of the MMA fighters considered the best of all time, then shared an entertaining exchange with Gustafsson before their revenge. Jones beat him by decision during his 2013 bout often described as the biggest fight for the UFC history title, and Jones' attempt on Friday to blame the close combat of his Lack of preparation and drug use for recreational purposes caused the kind Gustafsson to interrupt him.
"Excuses, excuses only!" said Gustafsson, a native of Sweden. "I'm going to kick your ass and beat you again."
"I have a question for you, Alex: If my excuse was that I was not trained enough, what is your excuse for losing?" Jones said.
The colorful exchange continued when we asked Gustafsson, who had lost an equally thrilling split decision against Cormier during his title fight in 2015, which opponent was the most difficult.
"[Jones] It's the hardest opponent, but it makes it a lot more fun for me, "said Gustafsson, who confessed to showing Jones too much respect in his first fight.
After Jones replied by asking if Gutafsson (18-4) thought he was also scammed against Cormier, the repeated response he received in return was: "I'm not sure. I lost, but I will beat you. " It was at this point that Jones decided to return to the offensive.
"And Anthony Johnson? Did you beat him?" Jones said the crowd began to roar with approval in his favor. "And Phil Davis? Did you beat him too? I'm just trying to get a psychological evaluation."
After Jones promised a knockout in their rematch, Gustafsson, 31, closed with a final warning.
"I will show the world that it is beatable [and that] it bleeds like everyone else, "Gustafsson said.
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