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Let's go back to the end of last year, more precisely to the UFC 309 event held in November. At that time, the UFC organized a match between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, which caused great dissatisfaction among fans. Many believed that Jones should have defended the belt against the then interim champion Tom Aspinall, and not fight Stipe.
UFC President Dana White defended the decision, but legendary fighter Daniel Cormier, known as "DC", believes that the reason lies in a promise that Jones did not fulfill.
The promise that changed plans
In a guest appearance on the MightyCast podcast, Cormier said that the Jones vs. Miocic match should never have taken place, because Aspinall was already the active interim champion. His words are clear and direct:
"Aspinall was already the interim champion at the time, and Jones fought Stipe. How?! How can you choose someone else when you have an interim champion waiting? That should not have happened."
Cormier believes the UFC agreed to the Stipe fight because Jon may have promised to accept the Aspinall fight later.
“That’s the only reason they’ll give you a legacy fight, if you offer them something in return. Hand in hand. I think he might have said, ‘Give me the Stipe fight at Madison Square Garden, and then I’ll take on Aspinall.’”
Unfortunately, things took a different turn.
“Then it comes time for the Aspinall fight and he says, ‘Give me $30 million,’ like he’s trying to avoid the fight… But you’ve got to fight this guy, man.”
After Jon announced his retirement, all hopes for a fight against Aspinall were dashed. However, statements from UFC president Dana White have somewhat restored hope for fans.
Cormier also pointed out that situations like this are not uncommon in the UFC, and that fighters often have to balance their personal interests with what the promotion demands of them. While he is disappointed, he believes that better decisions will be made in the future that respect fair play and fighting spirit.
English (US) ·