Outside Source
As Saturday draws near, the trash talk between Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones keeps heating up.
On Wednesday, the two light heavyweight rivals engaged in another heated back-and-fourth argument while doing an interview with FOX Sports 1 analysts Michael Bisping and Kenny Florian. Jones, who is scheduled to challenge champion Cormier in a highly-anticipated rematch in the main event of UFC 214, was asked by Florian if he would carry his emotions into the Octagon on Saturday night.
Jones was quick to reply, but took a shot at Cormier’s UFC commentator gig in the process, which sparked the dispute.
“Listen, I’ve fought against Chael Sonnen, who’s one of the best trash talkers in out sports history, I’ve fought against Rampage Jackson, Rashad Evans, and I’ve always been the same guy when it comes fight night,” Jones explained to Florian. “There is no nervousness, there are no butterflies, it’s me doing what I feel God put me in this planet to do, which is to be a fighter. I don’t have a commentating job or anything like that. My only passion is to be the greatest fighter ever and this is what I do, I go out there the same guy despite whether the guy was respectful of an asshole. I go out there and I focus on winning every time.”
Following Jones’ comments, Cormier immediately interrupted by saying that Jones had actually tried to be a commentator, but failed.
“He did try having a commentator job but he sucked at it,” Cormier said. “Let’s be honest, you tried and you sucked at it. I saw you and you sucked, so shut up.”
The 30-year-old JacksonWink fighter didn’t really deny Cormier’s claims, but did fire back with a shot of his own, shining light on what’s likely to be Cormier’s lowest point in his MMA career.
“I’m going to tell you what I don’t suck at and [that] is, I mean, you saw it, you were crying on Cain Velasquez’ shoulder,” Jones said. “Actually, you know what, I don’t want a commentator job, I just want to make you cry backstage, again.”
The rivalry between Jones and Cormier has been brewing for over three years, and on Saturday night, Cormier will have the chance to avenge his UFC 182 loss to Jones, which stands as the only professional loss on his record. This rematch was supposed to go down on two different occasions – UFC 197 and UFC 200. However, due to an injury from Cormier at UFC 197 and a failed drug test from Jones at UFC 200, the rematch never came to fruition.
Now two days removed from the event, Cormier is happy to be finally fighting Jones, and believes the delays have given him the time needed to prepare against Jones, and more importantly, defeat him on Saturday night.
“He is a special talent so there are things that you have to do differently in preparation for him than you would for anybody else,” Cormier said. “Had we fought last July, it wasn’t as much time to prepare for him, but I’ve had two-and-a-half years. All the other guys have just kind of been speed bumps, they’ve been stops along the way to get back to this fight and we’re finally here on Saturday.”
MUST-READ STORIES
Needed. The ABC approved adoption of four new weight classes for MMA.
Oh. Jon Jones opens up about his shaky relationship with Dana White.
Heated. Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones go back-and-fourth over steroid use.
Interesting. Journalists give their take on everything Mayweather vs. McGregor.
Snap. Take a look at Esther Lin’s UFC 214 pre-fight conference photos.
VIDEO STEW
Ariel Helwani and Marc Raimondi react to the UFC 214 pre-fight conference.
Irish Olympic boxing gold medalist Katie Taylor gives her thoughts on Mayweather vs. McGregor.
This is the third episode of the UFC 214 Embedded series.
Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones go at it on FOX Sports 1.
Take a look at Luke Thomas very informative Live chat.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Looking good, champs.
McGregor is looking yolked.
A post shared by Conor McGregor Official (@thenotoriousmma) on
Angela Hill back at it again.
Savage.
When you realize UFC 214 is just two days away.
A post shared by Aljamain Sterling (@funkmaster_ufc) on
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
PFL finalizes its second event that’s set to go down this Saturday.
Invicta FC announced seven new bouts for its 25th fight card on Aug. 31.
TODAY IN MMA HISTORY
2013: Germaine de Randamie made her UFC debut edging out a split decision over Julie Kedzie at UFC on FOX 8.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Morning Report will be back Monday with Jed. Enjoy UFC 214!
This article first appeared at MMA Fighting – All Posts
