Cormier (left), White and Jones (right) (photo via YouTube/UFC)

By FCF Staff

Although Daniel Cormier feuded with Jon Jones for years, you won’t hear him backing the claim ‘Bones’ is afraid of Francis Ngannou.

After Ngannou won the UFC’s heavyweight title this past Saturday, by knocking out Stipe Miocic, Jones called for a fight with the new champ. But, the former light heavyweight champ has also made it clear he wants more money for the fight.

This has prompted some critics to question if Jones is demanding more money, as a means to avoid fighting Ngannou. Last year, when Jones campaigned for a fight with Ngannou, the UFC was unable to come to financial terms for the fight.

Well, during his latest ESPN show with Ariel Helwani, Cormier had this to say about that argument (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“Jon Jones, for everything that’s between us, is not afraid of Francis Ngannou,” Cormier said. “This is absurd that people think that – he’s not afraid, bro.”

“…Jon Jones is one of the most talented guys that I’ve ever seen inside the octagon, and if you have to find someone that can piece together a way to solve that puzzle (Ngannou), it’s Jon Jones. Let’s not be crazy here. Jon Jones feels he’s defending himself against his name, but the reality is they’re just negotiating in public. We’ve seen this with Conor (McGregor), we’ve seen this with other fighters in the past. I believe it happens, I really do.”

Jones (26-1) hasn’t fought since February, 2020, when he recorded a split decision win over Dominick Reyes. After that win, Jones eventually vacated the light heavyweight title and announced he’s moving up to heavyweight.