Fans have been anticipating the return of Jon Jones for quite some time. However, they won’t need to wait much longer as Jones will be facing Ciryl Gane at UFC 285, in less than 3 weeks! As such, Jones is showing a different, more peaceful temperament coming into this fight.
Known for being one of the most ruthless fighters, Jones has often been seen as a “bad guy”. However, ahead of his return, “Bones” is willing to make peace with the past and put his best foot forward. Notably, he is even willing to have Daniel Cormier be the one to commentate his fight.
DC you are more than welcome to commentate at my fight, I think you are really good at what you do. I trust that you would be non-biased. All the best brother
— BONY (@JonnyBones) February 15, 2023
For those unaware, Jones and Cormier had the most bitter and personal rivalries in the history of the sport. The two would go on to fight twice, with Jones winning both times. However, the second one ( at UFC 214) was overturned to a no-contest after Jones tested positive for a banned substance.
Now, it seems that he is open to DC commentating on his fight. Taking to Twitter, he wrote, “DC you are more than welcome to commentate at my fight, I think you are really good at what you do. I trust that you would be non-biased. All the best brother.” Further, Jones revealed that he would also be cool with Cormier doing the Octagon interview. According to Jones, he is willing to let bygones be bygones.
Whoever wants to do it, totally cool with me. I feel like I’m in a whole new chapter of my life, let bygones be bygones. https://t.co/Ac4BbtYTz1
— BONY (@JonnyBones) February 15, 2023
During his two-fight series with Cormier, there was a lot of animosity between the two and they even got into a brawl at a press conference. Six years on, and it seems like Jones is finally willing to let it go, question is, will Cormier feel the same way?
Fans react to Jon Jones wanting to be friends with Daniel Cormier
Although it was seemingly a difficult pill to digest for many fans, there have been a lot of positive takes on the matter as well. As such, many fans seem keen to have DC commentate on Jones’ fight against Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. According to some, it would be a ‘legendary combo’, whilst others think it would be a bad idea. Thus, let’s take a look at what the fans had to say:
This is so awesome to see.
— Wretched Souls (@WretchedSoulsWT) February 16, 2023
I like this reformed Jon Jones. Heavyweight Champion vibes!
— Abhishek Dhairyawan (@abhishekdwan2) February 15, 2023
I think DC commenting a Jones fight is a legendary combo.
— Chaseton (@chasingchaseton) February 16, 2023
https://twitter.com/MisterMcNipps/status/1626020646898524160
https://twitter.com/theryanblood/status/1626013632973934592
For you 2 to squash the beef in the ring and for DC to congratulate you would be a true turn of events I never saw coming. Tough night at the office for sure to get it done but it would be a top 3 heart warming ufc moment to have you 2 share the octagon together as mutual friends
— Josh Ward (@Poco27T) February 16, 2023
Love to hear this. Always thought that you and DC would have been friends if you weren't both the best in the division and ultra competitive individuals.
— Drew R. (@drew_r95) February 16, 2023
Jon Jones redemption arc
— fodase (@Alguem2385) February 15, 2023
Heavyweight jones is a matured jones 👍
— Alphian Abd Ghaffar (@PianAlphian) February 16, 2023
For the most part, fans would love to see it happen, especially if Jones is successful in defeating Ciryl Gane and claiming the heavyweight championship. Even though it would make for a historic moment, getting past Gane will be no easy feat. For one, Gane is one of the most lethal and proficient strikers among the heavyweights.
In order to contend with him and suppress his striking, Jones’ grappling and wrestling will have to be better than it’s ever been. However, if Francis Ngannou‘s performance against him was something to go by, Jon will surely have a similar game plan. Will Jon Jones claim the heavyweight title on his debut and return? Only time will tell.