Jon Jones has welcomed the idea of Daniel Cormier commentating on his UFC comeback fight despite the bitter rivalry they once shared.
Jones, 35, makes his fighting return after three years away from the sport to face Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285 on March 4. The title fight comes after Francis Ngannou opted to leave the promotion last month, vacating his belt in the process. Jones will be looking to become a two-weight champion having dominated the 205lb division for almost a decade.
Eight years ago, Jones and Cormier settled their rivalry at UFC 182 as 'Bones' won a one-sided decision on the night. Jones knocked out Cormier in their rematch two years later, but the result was changed to a no-contest after Jones failed a drug test. The pair have since been respectful of each other's careers after almost a decade of back and forth and Jones has even welcomed Cormier to commentate his upcoming fight.
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"DC you are more than welcome to commentate at my fight, I think you are really good at what you do. I trust that you would be non-biased. All the best brother," Jones wrote. A fan then called for Cormier to do the octagon interviews, to which Jones replied: "Whoever wants to do it, totally cool with me. I feel like I’m in a whole new chapter of my life, let bygones be bygones."
Jones and Cormier even brawled whilst facing off ahead of their first fight, with Jones claiming that he was dropped by Nike due to the scuffle. Both men were fined for their actions as Jones was forced to pay $50,000 to the Nevada State Athletic Commission and complete 40 hours of community service whilst Cormier was fined $9,000.
Fans fear that Jones will not be as dominant in his heavyweight debut, which he first hinted at over a decade ago, due to his lengthy layoff from the sport. The UFC legend insisted that Gane isn't the best striker he's ever faced and rates the skills of past opponents such as Lyoto Machida and Thiago Santos above the former interim champion.
"I fought many guys who were nasty on their feet," Jones wrote. "Guys with very intimidating one strike knockout power. I feel pretty comfortable, and this is definitely not a kickboxing match. I’ve worked harder over the last three years than I ever have in my entire career. Fighting is inside of me, it’s who I am."
