Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier first fought in January 2015, with then-champion Jones taking a decisive five-round decision. More than two years later, the two will likely meet again at UFC 214. And my, how the circumstances have changed.
Obviously, it’s DC that’s holding the belt this time. And Jones has gone through so many issues outside the cage one has to wonder whether he’ll be the same fighter. But one thing that should remain unchanged is who the favorite should be going into the bout: it’s gotta be Jones.
Bet on UFC odds at BookMaker.eu
Jon Jones -280
Daniel Cormier +220
Over/under 4.5 rounds, over -140, under +100
Odds Analysis
The first time they met, Jones closed at -179, with DC at +185. Today, Jones is more than 100 points more expensive, with DC’s line at +220. This seems a bit odd, considering how rusty Jones looked against OSP, and the fact that he’s been sidelined for a while. On the other hand, DC has been beasting, retiring Anthony Johnson with a flawless performance in his last bout.
So why is Jones a bigger favorite this time around? Let’s get into a few reasons why.
Reason 1: His Physical Tools Haven’t Changed
Bones’ ridiculous 84” reach hasn’t gone anywhere: he’s still basically has an extra forearm which makes for an almost unfair advantage. He is still 6’4” and could easily fight at heavyweight. The height and range that he possesses makes him the most unsolvable enigma in all of MMA.
DC couldn’t crack the puzzle the first time around, and that doesn’t get any easier in a second go-round.
Reason 2: He’s Still Just 29!
Though it seems like he’s been around forever (and sidelined even longer), the guy isn’t even 30 yet! In contrast, Cormier is 38 years old. We’re not saying that DC is past his peak - he’s fighting at too high a level to say anything like that - but it is Jones that is still squarely in his athletic prime while DC is the one saying that he doesn’t have much time left in the sport.
Age matters in any sport. We’ve seen how quickly some fighters grow old, but it would seem unfathomable that Jones has a huge dropoff right now. The UFC odds reflect that.
Reason 3: DC Has No Other Gameplan
Cormier was adamant that the version of Jones who fought Ovince St. Preux could not beat the fighter DC is today. While it’s true that Bones didn’t look like the same guy that thrashed every 205-pounder put in front of him, can you really see Cormier coming up with a drastically different gameplan then the one he used?
In that first fight, DC did everything he could to keep the fight at close range, clinching and pressing Jones into the cage to set up takedowns. It was an approach that played to all of DC’s strengths, and it’d be a shock to see that change.
Reason 4: Jones Has Already Beaten DC
Cormier is doing everything in his power to gain the mental edge over Jones, but the fact is that he lost. And that trumps whatever he says. The champ can make as many dick pills jokes as he wants, but at the end of the day he’s got to beat the only man to ever give him an L.
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UFC 214 takes place on Saturday, July 29, 2017 at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. The card will be televised on pay-per-view starting 10 p.m. ET following the FX prelims.
