AJ: Cormier a tougher fight than Jones
Anthony Johnson: “I think Daniel Cormier is (the tougher fight than Jon Jones), right now. Because this is his second opportunity at a title shot.”
UFC light heavyweight contender Anthony Johnson spoke recently with TMZ about his upcoming fight with Danie Cormier, who stepped in when former division champion Jon Jones was stripped of his title.
“I’m excited either way,” said Johnson. I get to fight somebody. I’m still fighting for a title and I’m still getting paid so I’m good.”
Further, Johnson said he never fights with a strategy, so will go in the same way. And Johnson believes Jones will return.
“Oh yah, he’ll come back,” said Johnson. “He’ll come back bigger, faster, stronger, better than ever.”
Further, Johnson wants to be Jones’ first fight upon his return.
“Why wouldn’t I?” he said. “He’s the pound for pound king … He’ll definitely be motivated to come back and try to destroy everybody like he was before.”
Johnson was asked who the tougher opponent is, between Jones and Cormier.
“I think Cormier is, right now,” said Johnson. “Because this is his second opportunity at a title shot. And when people get (a) second chance at things, they come back ten times stronger and harder.
“He’s hungry. He’s so determined to win a title and he didn’t succeed the first time he had an opportunity. This is his second opportunity. Why wouldn’t he come back and give it his all like he did the first time? So I think he’s going to go absolutely crazy in the fight just to get a title.”
Lastly, Johnson was asked who was scarier, Jones or Cormier?
“Me,” he replied. “Me.”
Anthony Johnson fights Daniel Cormier for the UFC light heavyweight championship on May 23 at UFC 187 in Las Vegas, Nevada.