UFC president Dana White believes Daniel Cormier has the opportunity of a lifetime.
Cormier, the reigning UFC light heavyweight champion, will defend his title against former champion Jon Jones later this year at UFC 197.
Jones earned a victory over Cormier last year via decision but was stripped of his title after legal run-ins.
“What’s fascinating about Jon Jones right now is if you look at what this guy was doing in the past and how hardcore he’s training now – It’s almost scary,” White said in an interview with UFC.com. “The guy who’s never taken it serious is literally taking it serious now. What’s the new Jon Jones going to be like now?
“He is in his prime right now – his physical fighting prime. He’s never been more serious than he is right now. It’s a scary combination.
“If DC came out and beat this Jon Jones it would just be unbelievable. The thing is with a guy like Cormier, he’s been working so hard for so long and he’s such a good guy and such a talent. Not just in fighting and wrestling, but he’s an unbelievable on-air talent, too. A win over Jon Jones would be the biggest thing that’s ever happened to him.”
After Cormier won the title in a bout with Anthony Johnson, he defended it vs. Alexander Gustafsson.
