Cormier: Miocic Trilogy Trumps Jones Rivalry

Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images

Even if you don’t like former two-division champion Daniel Cormier as a fighter (or person) there is no denying his place among the MMA greats. Most UFC fighters will never have a career-defining rivalry and yet “DC” somehow managed to have two.

In two separate weight classes.

When asked to choose between his two biggest rivals, Cormier leaned in the direction of reigning heavyweight titleholder Stipe Miocic, a first responder who passed every drug test, never got into trouble with the law, and always put his family first.

Unlike “Bones.”

“It will be difficult for me to ever be completely free of that rivalry with (Jon) Jones because it was so big,” Miocic told MMA Junkie. “We sold so much pay-per-view, and the rivalry was so nasty. We were so nasty with each other, and the general public paid attention. But competitively this is the one that I love, because I’m fighting a guy that has done and stood for the right things and has competed in the right way. Jones is a fantastic competitor, and I feel like still, he brought the best out of me in terms of my preparation. But I believe Stipe Miocic has done the same thing now.”

Cormier, 41, lost both contests against Jones when competing at light heavyweight; however, his second defeat at UFC 214 was overturned when “Bones” failed his drug test. There was talk of a third fight at heavyweight but the Miocic trilogy took precedence.

Good thing too, as Jones continued his battle with Johnny Law.

Now with just one fight remaining in his career, Cormier (22-2, 1 NC) will attempt to retire on top with a victory over Cormier in the UFC 252 main event, which takes place a week from Sat. night (Aug. 15, 2020) inside UFC APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada.

For much more on that upcoming fight card click here.