Jon Jones Tabs Former Rival as the “Most Skilled” Opponent He’s Faced in His UFC Career

BREAKING: Light heavyweight champ discusses his toughest opponents

Jones praises Cormier’s well-roundedness

Jon Jones has faced some of the toughest competition in UFC history during his illustrious career, but the light heavyweight champion recently revealed that he believes his former rival, Daniel Cormier, is the “most skilled” opponent he has ever faced.

In an interview with ESPN, Jones said that Cormier’s well-roundedness made him a particularly difficult opponent to defeat.

"Daniel Cormier is the most skilled guy I’ve ever fought,” Jones said. “He’s a wrestler, he’s a boxer, he’s got good jiu-jitsu. He’s just a very well-rounded fighter.”

Jones and Cormier have fought twice, with Jones winning both fights by decision. However, Jones said that the second fight was much closer than the first, and that he believes Cormier has improved significantly since their first encounter.

“I think Daniel Cormier is a much better fighter now than he was when we first fought,” Jones said. “He’s more experienced, he’s more confident, and he’s just a better all-around fighter.”

Despite his praise for Cormier, Jones said that he is still confident that he can defeat him again if they ever fight for a third time.

“I know that I can beat Daniel Cormier,” Jones said. “I’ve beaten him twice before, and I can do it again.”

Cormier is set to challenge heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic for the UFC heavyweight title on August 17th. If Cormier wins, it is possible that he and Jones could fight for a third time in the future.