The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Lesnar, Jones talk lingers over fight
Miocic, Cormier can’t escape questions about others as their fight looms
LAS VEGAS » Stipe Miocic has heard it for weeks, even months. So has Daniel Cormier. For some, the fact the UFC heavyweight (Miocic) and light heavyweight (Cormier) champions are meeting in the octagon for a super fight isn’t enough.
For some, talking about Cormier-Miocic eventually leads to two other fighters — Jon Jones and Brock Lesnar — and the connection among the four, with the hopes of something more down the road.
Miocic and Cormier are clearly irritated by it all, and understandably so.
It’s been recently reported Lesnar, the WWE heavyweight champion and former UFC champion, will return to the UFC and is “in discussions” to fight the winner of Cormier-Miocic.
UFC president Dana White said on April 5, “Brock Lesnar’s coming back. I don’t know when, but yes he is.”
Those rumors have prompted questions in the direction of Miocic, who’s said on numerous occasions he’s only focused on Cormier.
He did recently say he would fight Lesnar — if he beats Cormier — but “not for a while.” After UFC 226, Miocic wants to enjoy time wife his wife Ryan and their daughter, who is expected to be born in August.
Asked last week if he’s grown tired of Lesnar questions, Miocic said: “It is what it is. I really don’t care about it.”
Meanwhile, Cormier and Jones are always linked no matter whom the light heavyweight champ has
next. The rivalry is bitter. They’ve fought twice, with Jones winning by unanimous decision in 2015. In the 2017 rematch, Jones won again, but the match was called a no-contest when Jones reportedly tested positive for drugs. Making things worse for Cormier is Jones continually taunting him about their two fights.
Jones has not fought since his 2017 bout against Cormier.
“I think that at this point where the guy’s been as inactive as Jones, he ties himself to certain individuals ... he tries to keep himself relevant,” Cormier said June 28 during a UFC teleconference.
“It’s easier to talk to trash to me because people always ask me questions. We’re getting on a conference call for Stipe and the fight is (July 7) and the first question’s about Jon Jones.
“... It’s crazy that a guy so self-destructive can be held with such a high regard in this sport. It’s sad.”
The popularity of bad boys Lesnar and Jones with UFC fans is unquestioned. Jones has his problems, but so does Lesnar.
He was popped for performance enhancing drugs after his last UFC fight, a win against Mark Hunt at UFC 200. Following that suspension, he returned to the WWE and became the
heavyweight champion.
There are also rumors Lesnar might be attendance at T-Mobile Arena to watch the Cormier-Miocic super fight. Cormier had a message for those hoping for that:
“One thing I’ve learned about Brock Lesnar is Brock isn’t going out of his way for anyone,” he said. “No, I don’t anticipate him being at our fight.”
About the only thing Cormier can rest easy about is his July 7 opponent — from one perspective.
“I know (Stipe) won’t test positive,” Cormier said. “There will be no excuse. He will fight clean and fight hard.”