The initial prognosis for Daniel Cormier’s injury recovery was four to six weeks, and it was expected he’d be out until August or September. However, the current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion himself said this week he’s targeting his return at a much sooner date.
“I don’t want to be sitting long,” Cormier said in an interview with ESPN.com. “Jon said he was open to fighting at UFC 200 if he comes through this clean. I would definitely want to fight around that time frame, too. I don’t want to wait until a November card in New York, waste a year in my career. I’m 37 and finally at the top of my game. I need to be competing.”
Cormier’s last fight came in October, where he edged past Alexander Gustafsson in a close and competitive fight at UFC 192. Jones remains on this month’s UFC 193 event in an Interim Title fight against Ovince St. Preux.
Penick’s Analysis: Jones-Cormier at UFC 200 would be a huge addition, but it’s not necessary, and it’s a fight that benefits more as the headliner of either UFC 201 or beyond. UFC 200 will do what business it’s going to do with or without a fight like Jones-Cormier, but they could use it later on. Of course, from a timing perspective, the UFC could want Jones on the New York card, so having him fight Cormier at UFC 200 could leave that date open. I suppose we’ll find out more after this month’s UFC 197 event either way.
[Photo (c) Troy Taormina via USA Today Sports]
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