With Friday’s UFC reinstatement of Jon Jones, the collective attention of the MMA world immediately shifted to when Jones will get the opportunity to fight Daniel Cormier for a chance to regain the light heavyweight championship.
Although Jones was suspended and stripped of the belt after being charged with a felony hit-and-run in Albuquerque, N.M., in April, UFC president Dana White has said that he would get an immediate title shot upon his return. That is also what the current champ expects, saying as much in a statement he issued via Facebook following Jones’ reinstatement.
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“Congrats to Jon “Bones” Jones on his reinstatement to the UFC. For MMA fans this is a good day. A guy that has shown to be one of the greatest fighters of all time is back. As a competitor there could be no other outcome and this is the best news I’ve heard in a long time,” said Cormier.
“Jon has said the right things and his actions are backing his words up. We all hope this is the last time we have to deal with anything like that. And lastly as a fan u get to see see 2 of the best fighters compete against each other. With that being said I can’t wait to compete against him again.”
Cormier is currently taking a self-imposed break, but has said he wants and needs to fight Jones to complete his career. He doesn’t want the sun to set having become the champion in Jones’ absence, especially when he has a loss to Jones on his record.
The UFC has not yet said when Jones will return to the Octagon, only that it is being discussed. They are currently challenging New York with an attempted booking of Madison Square Garden in New York City in April. If that event comes to fruition, it wouldn’t be surprising if Cormier vs. Jones II is the headliner. But for now, we’re left waiting.
