Jones calls Cormier 'chump change'
Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier's light heavyweight title fight was announced as UFC 200's main event Wednesday, and the longtime rivals have wasted no time reigniting their feud.
While having Conor McGregor's rematch with Nate Diaz pulled from the card was a major disappointment for UFC fans, they've been replaced by an arguably even more interesting rivalry outside the Octagon.
The two didn't disappoint during a New York press conference for the event Wednesday.
"DC should have a lot of confidence," said Jones, according to Shaun Al-Shatti of MMAFighting.com. "Outside of me, he's the next best thing. He can beat these other guys. He can't beat me. I don't believe greatness is coincidence, and I don't believe DC is great."
Jones and Cormier fought at UFC 182, with Jones coming out on top via unanimous decision. Their rematch was intended to be fought at UFC 197, but after Cormier pulled out due to injury, Jones instead beat Ovince Saint Preux.
Despite losing to Jones in their only bout, Cormier is intent on fighting the same way, especially after Jones didn't look to be in top form against Saint Preux following 15 months away from the UFC.
"I'm not changing anything," Cormier said. "I'm going right at his ass. I'm not changing nothing. I will tell him right now, last time I didn't take Jon down as many times as I wanted to. This time, they're going to say fight, I'm going right over there to take him down. I'm going to hold his ass down for 25 minutes. I'm going to take him down and hold him down for 25 minutes."
However, Jones was quick to point out how easily he handled Cormier's game plan last time, turning the tables and continuously putting him on his back.
"DC has been lying to you guys for a long time now," Jones said. "Listen, DC told you guys, and I quote, 'I'll take Jon Jones down 10 times out of 10 times.' Right? So far we're five to zero. I've taken you down five times.
"Last time, I foot-swept you and held my hand on your head like you're my bitch. And this is the guy who's supposed to be the Olympian. Come on, man. DC, you suck, bro. You call me a bum. I beat you four rounds to one. It wasn't even close. You're not even my toughest opponent. You're chump change."
The arch rivals will face off July 9 in Las Vegas.