Javier Mendez is DC’s coach at American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) and he believes Cormier, who plans on retiring after UFC 252, could delay that retirement for another shot at UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.
"The winner of this fight is gonna get Jones, I believe," Mendez told ESPN's Brett Okamoto (via Nick Baldwin of The Score). "I believe that, because Jones showed interest (in moving to heavyweight). If Jones didn't show any interest in that, that's different. I think Uncle Dana (UFC president Dana White) is gonna throw so much money at DC, DC just can't pass it up. DC loves money. I think that's gonna happen."
Jones and Cormier have met twice before in the Octagon, with Jones winning at UFC 182 and a second Jones win at UFC 214 was overturned to a no contest due to a failed drug test on Jones’ behalf.
Mendez does want to see Cormier retire after UFC 252, but wouldn’t be surprised if DC accepted a third fight with Jones.
"I want him to retire, I'm not gonna lie to you," Mendez said. "I want him to retire regardless. I just know how the system works and I know what makes sense. ... When Dana says, 'I know who should retire and that guy shouldn't retire,' I know he's thinking he wants to make something happen. ... It's the right move, in my opinion."
UFC 252 takes place on Saturday, August 15 from the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada with Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, which streams live on ESPN+.
