Jon Jones: ‘My Goal is to Make It Look Easier’ Against Cormier in UFC 200 Rematch

It’s no secret that Jon Jones isn’t the biggest fan of Daniel Cormier, or vice-versa.

The deep-seated animosity between the two light heavyweights has been well-documented, and whenever the two interact, “Bones” and “DC” stop at nothing to insult one another.

Cormier has claimed ever since Jones’ return in April that he isn’t the dominant, virtually undefeated wrecking machine of the past. Cormier, who is the reigning champ at 205 pounds after winning the title when Jones was stripped of it last year, was not impressed with his nemesis’ decision victory against Ovince St. Preux at UFC 197.

Jones simply brushes off his rival’s assertion that he is a diminished fighter.

“I’m the same fighter that I always have been,” Jones said during a conference call to promote UFC 200. “I’ve had [17] fights in the UFC and that one was bad. One bad fight out of [17] in the UFC. I feel as though my career is not a coincidence; it’s not luck. I mean, Ovince didn’t touch me. What did he do to me? He never forced me to fight and I coasted. I think I fought down to his level; I had a sparring match. I’m glad [Daniel] sees me that way.”

Jones, who also competed at the historic UFC 100 event seven years ago, said that he’s even the same guy outside the Octagon that he has always been, though he’s keeping things clean. He’s learned his lessons after being arrested, suspended and stripped of his title and he’s rededicated himself to the sport he has dominated for so long.

“I’m the same guy I’ve always been,” he said. “I just live my life slightly differently. I still go and enjoy myself and have a good time, but I no longer indulge in anything illegal.”

“Bones” dominated Cormier when they fought 18 months ago but while “DC” believes the outcome will be vastly different, the Jackson-Wink MMA star disagrees… to a point.

“My main goal is to make this fight look easier than it did the first time,” he said. “I would like to finish him, of course, but my goal is to make it look easier and I think it will be. It’s been a long time since I’ve gotten a finish. I still dominate everybody I compete against and I can’t wait to go out there and do it again against him.”

Though Jones is focusing solely on the task at hand, which is reclaim his undisputed light heavyweight crown in the main event of UFC 200, he thinks he’ll be healthy enough to fight when the promotion finally hosts an event in New York on Nov. 12.

“That’s totally my plan,” Jones said. “I am going to win this. I am going to win back my life, win back my title. I’m really hoping I will be on that card and fight in Madison Square Garden. I would love to headline that card, too, if I can.”