Daniel Cormier: 'I've had to overcome way bigger obstacles than Jon Jones'

LAS VEGAS – Even before punches started flying in the lobby of Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Hotel and Casino, Daniel Cormier showed up to the UFC 178 press conference with a fierce determination to beat Jon Jones.

Cormier spoke about the sacrifices he endured to get a light heavyweight title shot and how Jones inadvertently motivated him several years ago in their first meeting.

“You don’t want to give anybody material to stick on a bulletin board and to make them actually more focused and more dedicated to beat you,” he told MMAjunkie. “Well, he did that to me.”

Only minutes later, Jones gave him more material. The two faced off and then brawled before fans and cameras, setting afire a rivalry that had been long simmering.

A lot will be written in the coming weeks about the history that’s brought Jones (20-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) and Cormier (15-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) into the cage, and what will actually take place when they fight legally. More than likely, Cormier is going to face questions about how he’ll be able to counteract Jones’ physical gifts. He will likely stay the underdog.

But for Cormier, who’s wrestled his way to the Olympics and to an undefeated UFC record, the challenge doesn’t look so steep.

“I know that I’ve had to overcome way bigger obstacles than Jon Jones to get to where I am today,” he said. “That’s what I bring.”

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