Issue 157

August 2017

Cheick Kongo

Bellator heavyweight veteran

I’m a friend of Jon Jones, and I will root for him. Cormier has some really good skills, but I can’t see Jones getting beaten by him. It might be different to the first fight depending on how ‘DC’ works and delivers his game plan, but I still see the night being a good one for Jon Jones. The layoff could hurt him, but it could also be good for him. I’m sure he won’t change much. As soon as he feels the fear and the pressure and those instincts come back to him, he will remember what happens when he steps inside the cage – and he will take care of business.

Jim Wallhead

UFC 170lb’er with 39 pro fights

I’ve got to go with Jon Jones. I know he’s had his problems and hasn’t been living right and all that, but his talent alone should win him this fight. It becomes more interesting because of the time he’s had off and his various problems but, saying that, he would have been training throughout the time he’s had away. I’m sure he will have had 50 fights in the gym and he’ll be ready: he wouldn’t have taken it if he wasn’t. He’s also probably going to go out there and try and make a bit of statement, too. He’ll want to punch a hole in Cormier and make him eat his words.

Liam McGeary

Former Bellator 205lb champ

Jon Jones is a bad boy. I know people who train with him and he’s for real. He’s really good. He’s in a different league to people in this sport talent-wise. Imagine him off the coke and training right and living right. Imagine what he’s capable of then. He was a 25-year-old with the world at his feet and he made mistakes. But just think what he’s going to be like if he puts all his energy into this thing. He’s scary.

VERDICT JON JONES

He’s been away for too long, but our expers say that should be no barrier to ‘Bones’ winning back the title.