On FS1’s “UFC Tonight” this week, analysts Kenny Florian and Michael Bisping talked about the Daniel Cormier vs. Jon Jones main event. The following are key quotes:
•Kenny Florian on Daniel Cormier vs. Jon Jones: “In this fight, we have the two best light heavyweights in UFC history going at it. Cormier has to come in better shape this time. He took off round four in the last fight and he paid for it. The way he pressures Jones is important. In the first fight he really went after him. He’s got to be careful. I think he underestimated the wrestling of Jon Jones in the last fight.”
•Bisping on Cormier’s ability: “DC started his career at heavyweight. In Strikeforce he became heavyweight championship and he beat some great names at heavyweight. The only loss on his record is to Jon Jones. He’s got incredible wrestling, good knockout power and comes in great shape.”
•Florian on what’s impressive about Jones: “The most impressive thing about him is his ability to adapt in a fight. He can change ranges in a fight. He’s a long fighter, but can go short in the clinch and use short elbows and knees to body. He has one of the best minds in the game too.”
•Bisping on Jones’s greatness: “Jon is the best ever at light heavyweight. Jon has great wrestling and a diverse striking game. He’s so dangerous with his animalistic aggression.”
•Bisping on Cormier’s keys to victory: “He’s got to push the pace to tire out Jon Jones. He’s got to get inside and land the takedown. If he puts him on his back, he’ll take away some of Jon’s best weapons. He had a tough time in the first fight taking him down.”
•Florian on Jones’ keys to victory: “He has a huge reach advantage he has to use it. He also has to use his wrestling. He actually outwrestled Cormier in the first fight. He’s got to attack the body with knees and kicks to try to slow him down, like he did in the first fight.”
•Both Bisping and Florian pick Cormier to win. Florian explains: “Cormier has done a lot of camp in preparation for Jones. I think he’s going to be much better and we’re going to see the best Daniel Cormier we’ve ever seen. Jones has been out of the game for a little bit. DC will win.”
•Daniel Cormier on the rivalry with Jones: “I’ve been looking forward to this rematch since I lost the first fight. Two and a half years has been a long time waiting for him. After I beat him, I can get back to my job.”
NOW READ OUR FULL PREVIEW OF UFC 214: UFC 214 – CORMIER VS. JONES PRIMER: Full preview and predictions for entire card including Woodley vs. Maia, Cerrone vs. Lawler, Cyborg
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