Daniel Cormier criticizes Jon Jones stance on USADA, arguing Tom Aspinall must be undisputed UFC heavyweight champ

Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones had one of the most intense rivalries in the history of UFC, rivaling even the Conor McGregor-Khabib Nurmagomedov feud. In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani on the MMA Hour, Cormier commented on a recent statement made by Jones.

Currently undergoing rehabilitation for surgery to repair his torn pectoral muscles and tendons, Jones has been absent. In his absence, Tom Aspinall was crowned the interim UFC heavyweight champion by defeating Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295.

Daniel Cormier talks on Jon Jones claim on USADA

The UFC did not renew its contract with the USADA, and hence, the partnership between the two will cease to exist by December 31, 2023. Starting January 1, Drug-Free Sports International will be the anti-doping partner after eight long years of the USADA. Now, UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones recently made a statement after the UFC-USADA split.

Jones had an acrimonious relationship with the USADA, and his second victory over Daniel Cormier was changed from TKO to No Contest after Jones tested positive for a banned substance. In light of the UFC-USADA split, Jones called for his No Contest against Cormier to be changed to a TKO victory.

“They’re not saying, ‘Well, USADA was wrong.’ Anything that happened over the course of the time USADA was here is not null and void. Still, it’s all still relevant for the time being,” Cormier commented on Jones’ statements. DC did not agree with the statements made by Jones. Moreover, he explained that the split with USADA meant that what they did for the duration of the partnership was wrong.

Jone was supposed to defend the UFC heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295. However, the pectoral injury forced his withdrawal and the co-main event between Alex Pereira and Jiri Prochazka was elevated to the main event. Moreover, an interim heavyweight title between Tom Aspinall and Sergei Pavlovich was also announced as the co-main event of the PPV. Prochazka and Aspinall won the titles at the event.

Daniel Cormier believes Tom Aspinall must be undisputed champ

In the absence of Jon Jones, who will be out for at least 8 months due to injury, Tom Aspinall is in a weird position. With no real contenders ready to fight and the UFC hell-bent on making Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic on Jones’ return fight, Aspinall is forced to wait in the wings for an extended period.

Aspinall has already called for a fight with Miocic in the absence of Jones but the UFC is not interested in Aspinall fighting anytime soon. Tom has already called for Jones to be stripped of the title and make him the undisputed champion. DC also shared his opinion on the matter.

“Tom Aspinall is the guy that’s going to lead the heavyweight division for years to come, so yes, I believe that he should be the Undisputed Champ,” Cormier provided his thoughts on the matter and cited the future of the heavyweight division of the UFC which is Tom Aspinall himself.

“Jones is the Undisputed Champion; he earned that in the Octagon by beating Ciryl Gane. But if he’s only going to fight Stipe, and that’s not for another seven or eight months.” Cormier said.

DC further added that Jones will be out for an extended period and that would make the division stagnant. Jiri Prochazka and Jamahal Hill were forced to vacate their titles when they suffered injuries that required extended rehabilitation time.

Daniel Cormier’s sentiment was also shared by Michael Bisping, who believes that Aspinall is the best heavyweight fighter on the planet. However, former UFC double champion Henry Cejudo disagreed with the statements and provided his view that Jones is the rightful champion and the interim title does not mean anything.

What do you think of Daniel Cormier’s take on the issues related to Jon Jones? Leave your comments below!