Daniel Cormier proposes interim title fight with Alexander Gustafsson if Jon Jones delays

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With UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones in the midst of contract negotiations, Daniel Cormier has his own contingency plan.



"I know this will probably be unpopular, but if [Jones] won't sign, whether it be for money or a lack of wanting to fight the kid, I'll fight Alexander Gustafsson," Daniel Cormier told SportsWorldNews.com. "But it should be for the interim title."



Jones is tentatively planned to defend his title to Gustafsson on Aug. 30 at UFC 177. Gustafsson signed his own bout agreement last week, but the fight can't be made official until Jones hammers out the new deal.



"If they're putting a belt on the line, I don't care what date it is," said Cormier. "It was never about Jones, I just want the title. Besides, it'll work out better for [Jones]; he won't have to fight both of us."



Cormier explained his championship priorities following a dominating performance against Dan Henderson at UFC 173, but wasn't as quick to drop Jones from the discussion.



"I want to be the champion, that's really why I started fighting," Cormier told media at the event's post-fight press conference. "I'm 35-years-old, it's not like I'm a kid, so I can't wait too long. But, you know, it means something to beat Jon Jones. I know Dana [White], we all praise Alexander Gustafsson for what he's done, he's a great fighter. But it means a little bit more to beat a Jon Jones."



Although UFC president Dana White disapproved of the idea, Cormier also said he intended on remaining sidelined to wait for his eventual shot at the title. Currently ranked No. 2 behind only Gustafsson and Jones, Cormier admitted he could be lured back into action if the UFC could 'come up with something good.'

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Statistics: Posted by z0rg — Jun 2. 2014, 12:06 — Replies 1 — Views 19

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