5 reasons why Daniel Cormier needs to fight Jon Jones one last time

There are rivalries that are orchestrated with the purpose of selling PPVs wherein the competitors seem to be vitriolic against each other but in reality, share a mutual respect. The same can't be said about Jones and Cormier.

The perennial rivals are polar opposites. DC is the role model champion while Jones is the bad boy of MMA. One has never popped up for PEDs while the other seems to be addicted to Turinabol.

Jones, though, is a prodigal talent who has surpassed his peers in terms of his in-fight IQ, execution and overall skill. Cormier's only two losses have come against Jones and we can't help but envision a third fight between the two Light Heavyweight greats who absolutely despise each other.

Jones is scheduled to fight Anthony Smith at UFC 235 while Cormier's next and possibly last opponent has still not been decided upon. The talks of a trilogy fight may have taken a backseat in recent weeks with DC and many MMA pundits and fighters downplaying the scenario, but it needs to see the light of the day, doesn't it?

We give you five reasons why it should happen.

#1 The Money Fight

Jones vs. DC I recorded 800,000 PPV buys while the sequel raked in 860,000. Their first outing was the most successful PPV event since UFC 168 and while UFC 214 may have failed to breach the 1 million mark, it was one of the biggest shows of the year in which the UFC struggled to put on major cards.

Trilogies always have a special place in the memories of MMA faithful. JDS vs. Valesquez, Lidell vs. Couture, and GSP vs. Hughes are some that instantly come to mind and in hindsight, all were defining fights in the legendary careers of the aforementioned fighters.

Jones and Cormier are each other's biggest rival as well the staunchest detractor. They never miss an opportunity to put each other down on social media even when the topic doesn't even pertain to fighting. The buildups of their previous encounters have featured in many montages of best trash talking bits in MMA history, which is why a third fight promises to be a lucrative affair for the UFC. Additionally, UFC can stack up the card with lesser-drawing fights and give some exposure to fighters who need it the most.

However, it's not always about the money...

#2 Redemption for Daniel Cormier

Fifth simultaneous multi-divisional UFC Champion. The first and only fighter to successfully defend a UFC title in different divisions. 22 dominating wins. Unarguably, one of the greatest pound for pound fighters of all time. Daniel Cormier's resume looks spotless when you don't mention his arch nemesis.

Jones became the first man to defeat DC at UFC 182 when he outclassed the former Olympian in a unanimous decision victory. In the second fight, Bones improved on his accolades as he became the first man to knockout Cormier, which would later be reverted to a no-contest after Jones tested positive for oral Turinabol in a post-fight drug test.

The image of a sobbing Cormier will go down as one of the most heartbreaking moments in MMA history. He bounced back from the loss, beat Stipe Miocic to become the heavyweight champion, defended the heavyweight and light heavyweight titles and ended 2018 as the fighter of the year. These accomplishments may have numbed the pain, but we're sure Cormier would still harbour feelings of retribution against the only man to have bested him in his glittering career.

DC may claim he doesn't want the fight, but resentments don't wither away that easily and his fans too would be aching to witness an avenging triumph.

#3 Jones has a point to prove too...

Will Jones continue the habit of overcoming his naysayers?

The GOAT is nowadays being brandished a cheat. There was a time when the fans were left awestruck by the ruthlessness and sheer quality of Jones inside the Octagon. These days, we're all awestruck by how repeatedly careless he can get outside the Octagon.

The man who single-handedly increased the search volume for the term picogram will forever have an asterisk on his resume. He has beaten them all: future Hall of Famers, rising up-and-comers, feared knockout artists, pound-for-pound greats, and of course, his greatest opponent in Cormier, twice. However, was he really clean during his insurmountable reign as the king of the light heavyweight division?

That question will forever be used to counter claims of Jones being the greatest mixed martial artist of all time. At 31 years old, it's a fresh start for Jones. He comfortably beat Alexander Gustaffson at UFC 232 and thankfully cleared all subsequent drug tests. All he has to do now is to keep himself busy without getting too busy with PEDs and most importantly, continue to win. For as long as Jones fights, he would have a point to prove and the best way to do so would be to pull off a clean sweep against Cormier.

Cormier has accused Jones of being a junkie and a fighter who already has an advantage over his opponents even before the fight begins. Jones may not be able to satisfy all his critics but he surely can shut down the biggest of them all in Cormier.

#4 The uncertainty surrounding Brock Lesnar's UFC return

In an ideal situation, Cormier would have loved to sign off with a big-money super fight against Brock Lesnar. However, the former UFC Heavyweight Champion has his hands full until WrestleMania and even beyond the specified time-frame, there is nothing set in stone.

Reports suggest Lesnar has signed a new deal with WWE that could keep him with the company for the foreseeable future. But, his aspirations of returning to the Octagon can't be undermined.

Lesnar would first have to clear $250,000 in fines that need to be done in order to get his Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) ban lifted. We aren't panicking though as Lesnar is one rich man who can surely afford the sum.

There is nothing concrete in place and that's not good for UFC's business. The matchmakers have a ready-made fight in Cormier vs. Jones III that requires no exaggerated hype whatsoever. Lesnar may get in more moolah, but the trilogy can also compete in terms of profitability.

#5 The lack of competition for Jones at Light Heavyweight

A major upset for Smith or a walk in the park for Jones?

The Light Heavyweight Champion is leagues above the current crop of contenders in the 205 lbs division. It doesn't matter whether he is juiced or not, Jones is an insanely gifted fighter in a division that doesn't have an exciting prospect with the credentials to take him down.

Dominick Reyes is the only undefeated fighter in the top ten with a 10-0 record but he needs a few more wins against top-ranked opponents to warrant a title shot. Jan Blachowicz, Corey Anderson and Thiago Santos are the only other fighters who are in contention but none of them seem convincing enough as a threat to Bones.

The #3 ranked Anthony Smith deserves a shot at Jones but we can't help but think of the American as a heavy underdog. Anything can happen in the world of MMA of course, as Jones is human too, but for all intents and purposes, it may just be a warm-up fight for the champion before he moves on to a stiffer test.

Yes, Cormier may not seem like a major obstacle either considering his dismal record against Jones but he knows him better than anyone else currently in the Light Heavyweight division.

They say third time's a charm, eh...

So what are your thoughts? Would you like to see DC vs. Jones III? Valesquez too volunteered for a fight against Jones if Cormier retires. Where do Lesnar and Stipe Miocic fit in?

Sound off your opinions in the comments section below...