Cormier Hoping for “Shining Moment” at UFC 200

In 2015, Daniel Cormer fought Jon Jones for the UFC light-heavyweight championship.  He lost a unanimous decision.

Just three months later, Jones was stripped of that title for leaving the scene of an accident in New Mexico.  Cormier was declared the champion.

Now, the Lafayette native will get another chance at Jones at UFC 200 this Saturday in Las Vegas.  And, he relishes the opportunity.

"I haven't experienced that shining moment," Cormier told ESPN. "When [UFC president] Dana White straps that title belt around your waist, that's huge. But to be truly recognized as the best in the world at something? I can't say that I've felt that because Jon beat me in our first fight.

Cormier says this fight will define his legacy in MMA but not his athletic career as a whole.  Cormier is 17-1 as an MMA fighter, with the only loss to Jones nearly 18 months ago.

Cormier is extremely confident going into the fight.

"I truly believe I am better than Jon Jones," Cormier said. "I still believe that the last time we fought, I fought bad. I don't have to be mistake-free to beat Jones, because I feel like I'm the better fighter."

The entire story from ESPN.com can be seen here.