Cormier (left) and Jones (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

As Jon Jones gets set to return to the Octagon at UFC 232, there’s been extensive speculation about whether he’ll face Daniel Cormier for the third time. But, according to the former champ, his longtime rival’s hoping to avoid another showdown.

Jones hasn’t fought now since July, 2017, when he stopped Cormier at UFC 214. After the win, however, Jones was flagged for a banned substance and the star was suspended by USADA.(Jones has denied ever knowingly taking any type of performance-enhancing drug).

In advance of Jones December 29th return bout with Alexander Gustafsson, the UFC held a media call. While discussing Cormier, and recent tweets Jones fired off in “DC’s” direction, “Bones” said this (quotes via MMA Fighting):

“I challenged Cormier to be my first title defense, and let’s see what he does. I don’t think he responded yet, and I think everybody knows he doesn’t want to fight me a third time,” Jones said.

“I’m not out to get Daniel Cormier,” Jones added, while referring to Cormier’s ongoing references to the former champ’s USADA issues. “I’m here protecting himself the guy’s out there making comments about me and I’m just responding.”

As this is being written, it’s not clear yet what’s going to be next for Cormier. After he took the heavyweight title from Stipe Miocic this past July, the plan was for him to fight Brock Lesnar in early, 2019. Since then, however, it’s been reported Lesnar has signed a new WWE deal, raising questions as to when he’ll return to the UFC.

Cormier has also said repeatedly he intends to retire next March when he turns 40.