Daniel Cormier feels Jon ‘Bones’ Jones did not accomplish enough to get an ESPY Award and has argued for him to receive the Comeback Player of the Year award instead. Jones (27-1 MMA, 21-1 UFC) is nominated next to lightweight champion Islam Makhachev, welterweight champion Leon Edwards, and previously retired dual champion Amanda Nunes.
Jones, the previous heavyweight champion, emerged from a lengthy absence in March to easily submit Ciryl Gane and earn the newly vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285.
Cormier praised Jones’ performance, he also stated why he isn’t convinced it’s enough to earn Jones the ESPY for best MMA fighter in 2023. ‘DC’ pointed out Jones’ performance and tagged him to be the best nomination for ‘Comeback of the Year.’
Further adding to his statement DC was sure to put forward his point of rather giving him the comeback of the year. “Need more than just one performance” stated Cormier. All other remaining nominees have proven to be worthy of their names to be listed on the ESPY Award list. Jones is also contending for an ESPY for the best comeback of the year.
Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets, Alyssa Thomas of the Connecticut Sun, and Justin Verlander of the New York Mets (previously Houston Astros) are also listed in the same category.
Daniel Cormier explains why he was worthy of an ESPY But Jon Jones is Not
DC in his show, Daniel Cormier TV, came out about the nomination list of fighters nominated for ESPY Fighter of the Year award. When it comes to defining worthiness, DC stated it is about the fighter who can absolutely take the adversity and overcome the adversity in his or her fights. In the video posted on YouTube DC stated:
“I think that when I talk about him, I talk about him in the most fair way I can because I do respect his skill level and he showed great form in that return to heavyweight. When I gave my opinion on him not being there, my reasons were because of the one fight… the basis of my argument is that he only fought once.” He added.
Daniel Cormier won the 2019 ESPY for Best Fighter of the Year. Comparing himself to Jones, DC put forward his major turnaround for becoming the winner of the award.
“When I won that, I fought three times. I won the light heavyweight, I defended the light heavyweight. Won the heavyweight championship then defended the heavyweight championship. that’s why I said no because I just want to see more. and I did say that he should win the comeback athlete of the year.” DC further added.
Jon Jones’s next appearance is presently unscheduled. He has been connected to a fight with former UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic later this year, but no definite plans have been announced.
