If the opportunity for a third Jon Jones fight materializes, Daniel Cormier will take it

Reigning UFC light heavyweight champ Daniel Cormier has fought Jon Jones twice. The first time they met, Jones won by decision. The second time, they collided, Jones put Cormier down with a head-kick, though this result was overturned when Jones failed a drug test.

Despite the pair’s sizzling rivalry, Cormier has never debated Jones’ incredible ability. In his opinion, Jones has never needed performance enhancing drugs to thrive in the Octagon.

In a recent interview with BloodyElbow, Cormier spoke candidly about his arch rival’s troubles outside the cage, and admitted that if there’s ever a chance for a third fight with Jones, he’ll take it.

“I don’t know. I don’t know what he was doing,” he told Stephie Haynes. “The only thing I can base an opinion on is from what came out publicly. I don’t think for a second that Jon Jones needed any type of enhancements to compete. I think he’s ultra-talented, he’s a fantastic fighter, he’s very smart in there, and I think he can do whatever he wants, but he chose to do it the wrong way. I can’t change that.”

“All I can really worry about is what I can take care of,” Cormier continued. “If a chance to compete against him arises, then I’ll take it and hopefully, finally vindicate those losses. That’s the only guy that’s ever beat me, and if I can get those back, I’ll be in business.”

Cormier’s next challenge will occur at UFC 226, on July 7, when he will return to his former haunts in the heavyweight division to battle reigning heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic. Should Cormier win, he’ll become one of just five fighters in UFC history to wear gold in two divisions, joining Randy Couture, BJ Penn, Conor McGregor and Georges St-Pierre.

Would you be interested in seeing Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones fight once more time before all is said and done?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 3/28/2018.