mma

Jones Faces Test of Character in UFC Return

May 25, 2017 | Posted by AJ Grey

Jon Jones will make his return to UFC in a rematch against reigning light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier at UFC 214.

The 29-year-old has been missing from the ring for the past year after violating the sport’s anti-doping policy, which resulted in him being stripped of his lightweight title for the second time and a one-year suspension.

Cormier capitalised on Jones’ absence to claim the vacant crown as he defeated Anthony Johnson at UFC 187 by submission.

In his three fights since, the 38-year-old has successfully defended his crown, setting up a second meeting with Jones on his return to action.

Jones defeated Cormier in their bout in January 2015, inflicting the only defeat of the veteran’s MMA career.

However, the victory was a points decision in a close contest, with another tough battle anticipated in their rematch. As a result, the odds for the fight should be intently monitored with the Guts sportsbook.

Jones will be the leading contender in the match-up due to his victory over two years ago, despite his time out of the sport. The 29-year-old has never been beaten in the MMA ring, with the only blemish on his record being a disqualification in his bout against Matt Hamill in 2009.

The New Yorker has been at the pinnacle of the UFC over the last eight years and has impressed due to his size and agility in the ring, defeating his opponents with both his strength and manoeuvrability.

His showmanship has made him into the headline act at many events, beginning with his triumph over Brandon Vera, while a second major victory soon followed in his victory over Vladimir Matyushenko in 2010.

Jones rose to the occasion at his first title shot, defeating Mauricio Rua at UFC 128 to claim the light heavyweight championship. He successfully defended his crown eight times over the course of his reign, including arguably the most impressive win of his career by beating Alexander Gustafsson.

The Swede and the American battled over five rounds, and although it appeared to be a close result, Jones managed to edge the fight on a unanimous decision from the judges.
Before his clash with Cormier, Jones and the Louisiana-native brawled in the lobby of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas before they were separated.

The champion defeated his challenger in their clash, and although Cormier was aggressive in his approach to stymie Jones – it was not enough to land significant blows on the New Yorker – who edged to a 49-46 victory across the board.

Since then the careers of the two men have gone in opposite directions. Jones has been embroiled in controversy, losing his title twice to incidents out of the arena.

Cormier has gone from strength-to-strength, remaining unbeaten in his four bouts since claiming the vacated crown.

The two competitors have been thrown jibes at each other ahead of the bout in July. Neither man can afford to lose the meet – with Cormier seeking to establish himself as the dominant fighter in the division to put himself ahead of Jones.

On the other hand, the 29-year-old is seeking redemption for his misdemeanours and will be desperate to make an example out of Cormier – who has taken delight in throwing barbs at the former champion.

Jones’ lack of action could be an issue – with just one “fight” under his belt in the past year. This came in a grappling event – Submission Underground 2 – in which he defeated Dan Henderson. As a result, he could be vulnerable to a fast start from Cormier, who will be aiming to capitalise on any rust.

It should be a thrilling contest between the fighters – with two legacies on the line at UFC 214 in Anaheim on July 29.

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AJ Grey