• UFC news

Cormier wants TUF showdown with Jon Jones

Daniel Cormier fights Frank Mir in November © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Cormier responds to Jon Jones over TUF snub
  
• News: Jon Jones not interested in Cormier TUF season
  
• News: Rashad offers to help 'disillusioned' Jon Jones
  
• News: Liddell: I would have fought Chael Sonnen
  
• News: Jon Jones angers big fan in Tito Ortiz
  
• News: Jon Jones: My record's better than Belfort's
  
• Profile: Jon Jones

Daniel Cormier claims to have found the ideal solution to Jon Jones' current popularity problems: A TUF rivalry between the pair.

Cormier is carving out a reputation for himself as the top heavyweight under the Strikeforce banner. Later this year he will attempt to prove he is ready for the UFC by taking on Frank Mir.

However, Cormier is prepared to drop to light-heavyweight in order to challenge Jones, who has looked invincible in the 205lbs division. Wins over the likes of Mauricio Shogun Rua and Lyoto Machida have so far barely forced Jones outside of his comfort zone.

The youngster's greatest challenge to date has been his public persona, which has taken a battering after he rejected a fight at UFC 151. Cormier claims a TUF season - culminating in a title fight - would be good for both of them.

"I know a situation that helps out everyone. Give Jon a challenge that he doesn't get from most guys, and that's something that I present," Cormier told Bloody Elbow.

"Hopefully, him and I get through our next fight. At the beginning of the year, let us coach the next season of The Ultimate Fighter. That gives me time to actually get my weight down, and in the summer time, we fight.

"How does that sound? I'm throwing it out there right now. Let's do it. He hasn't coached the show before, and neither have I. Let the fans get to know me better by putting me on TV for two-and-a-half months, and then put me and Jon in a fight.

"Jon's a good wrestler, but I've wrestled at a different level. I'm going to pressure him. I'm going to take him down. I think it would be great for everybody, all around. I can tell you with 100% confidence in myself and in my ability, that if I was to fight him, or anyone else in the world, at some point in that fight, if I decide to put them on their back, I'm putting them on their back."

The greatest obstacle to Cormier's plan, other than the fact both men have to win their next fights, could be the UFC's wish to keep him at heavyweight. Cormier is seen as a challenger to Junior Dos Santos, but in either division there is no denying that he is one of the sport's hottest commodities right now.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.