The legacy of Daniel Cormier is also at stake when he squares off against Jon Jones at UFC 200 this July 9, 2016. (Photo : Getty Images/Jeff Zelevansky)
Reigning UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier will face off against rival Jon Jones this Sunday at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas in what is seen as redemption for both fighters. The two already met at UFC 182 on January, 2015 with Jones winning that one over Cormier.
The grudge match was originally scheduled for UFC 197 back in April but Cormier was forced to withdraw on account of an injury. Instead, Jones fought Ovince Saint Preux via unanimous decision, MMfighting.com reported.
Barring any last minute injuries or pullouts, the two will finally settle the score this coming weekend. Jones is looking to reclaim the title he never officially lost in the Octagon while Cormier will be looking to avenge that loss in 2015.
Pressure seems to be more on Cormier who cannot afford another loss to “Bones”. Not only will he lose the light heavyweight belt to Jones, such could place his career in jeopardy.
According to MMA Junkie, Cormier’s plight could be similar to the fate of another fighter named Josh Koscheck. Koscheck was in a similar rivalry with Georges St-Pierre and both tangled at UFC 124 in December, 2010.
The scenario was pretty much similar to the Cormier-Jones drama. Jones has vowed to win and end Cormier’s UFC career this weekend, somehow similar to the brash talk that St. Pierre belched out against Koscheck before.
A recap of UFC 124 saw St. Pierre win against Koscheck and the latter’s UFC career went into shambles. After two fights, Koscheck saw suffered five straight losses and eventually departed the UFC scene.
A loss by Cormier will leave him with a couple of options though it may be a long climb. He could stay and wait for another shot at the title (if the UFC allows it) or move to a different weight class. The worst case scenario is seeing him retire and devote full time being a TV commentator.
A lot is on the line for Cormier, including his legacy. He is aware of what is at stake this Sunday and the pressure continues to mount on 37-year-old American mixed martial artist.
For those wondering about that UFC 124 fight between St-Pierre vs. Koscheko match, GSP shares his thoughts on that match via the video below.
