Dana White on Jones-Cormier Trilogy Fight: I Want To See It at Heavyweight

It’s no secret that Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier are interested in a trilogy fight, with both fighters stating that they would prefer it to stay at 205 pounds, but their boss’ preference would be to book the fight at heavyweight given how the first two fights went.

Jones dominated both of their previous encounters, with the first coming at UFC 182 in January 2015, which he won via unanimous decision, handing Cormier the first loss of his career. The rematch at UFC 214 in July 2017 was even more decisive, as Jones knocked Cormier out with a head kick and follow-up punches. However, the result was overturned to a no-contest after Jones tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance.

Despite Jones’ dominance in both fights, a third match between the pair is still enticing to fans, some of whom see Cormier faring better against his nemesis at heavyweight given his success there in capturing and defending the belt, and the absence of the admittedly difficult cut to the light heavyweight limit.

Ultimate Fighting Championship President White spoke to Laura Sanko in a recent interview and said he would be happy to deliver the fight that fans want to see, but would prefer it be conducted at heavyweight.

“The Cormier fight doesn’t need to happen again, but I think people want it to happen again, I want to see it again [and] I know they both want it. I want to see it at heavyweight, but those two are so stubborn, they both want it at 205,” White said.

Jones was in action last month at UFC 239, where he defended his light heavyweight belt against Thiago Santos via split decision, inflicting severe damage on Santos’ knee in the process.

Cormier makes his return to the Octagon next month where he’ll defend his heavyweight belt against the man he defeated to win it, former champion Stipe Miocic, in a highly anticipated championship rematch at UFC 241.