5 potential short-notice replacements to face Daniel Cormier
A somber Daniel Cormier took the podium Wednesday night to express his disappointment after his bout with Jon Jones was canceled and also discussed his desire to still fight at UFC 200.
According to White, Cormier negotiated PPV points for UFC 200, meaning he would have received a percentage of the money made from each PPV sold for what many consider the biggest event of all time. Now, with Jones being pulled from the card after being flagged by USADA for a potential anti-doping policy violation, Cormier stands to lose out on what likely would have been his biggest payday ever.
Despite being just three days out from the monumental event, Cormier still wants to fight, and the UFC president said he'd do his best to find a replacement. The chances are slim of finding someone to fight one of the best light heavyweights in the world, but here are a few guys who could be up for the challenge.
Michael Bisping earned his middleweight title by being willing to step in at anytime, anywhere. So, of course, after the announcement that Jones was being removed, he was one of the first fighters to offer his services.
Bisping would have to jump up a full 20 pounds to fight an undoubtedly bigger and stronger man in Cormier. But he's down. And so are fans. But I'm not sure the UFC is willing to go that far to keep Cormier on the card.
Ok for the record. I WILL fight DC. I love him, but if the @ufc need me, I'm in! @danawhite @lorenzofertitta
— michael (@bisping) July 7, 2016
Mousasi is in the same situation as Bisping. He's a middleweight who would have to fight a bigger, stronger man on fight night. Mousasi is no stranger to this scenario though.
Mousasi is currently a middleweight, but has fought at light heavyweight and heavyweight multiple times during his career. He even has a submission win over Mark Hunt under his belt.
He's been very vocal about his willingness to step up and take the fight, and he currently slated to fight Thiago Santos on the undercard of UFC 200, so no doubt he's ready.
Alexander Gustafsson hasn't fought since he lost to Cormier in October 2015, but the Swede has been in the gym and is set to make his return Sept. 3.
I was the last LHW Strikeforce Champion. I will be the next LHW @ufc Champion if given this fight. @danawhite
— Gegard Mousasi (@mousasi_mma) July 7, 2016
Cormier stated during his news conference that he's open to fight at 220 or 225 pounds, which would reduce the stress on "The Mauler" to cut a bunch of weight in three days. It's safe to assume he'd be eager to avenge his split-decision loss to DC. But of all the shot, this one is probably the longest.
Glover Teixeira is coming off a quick first-round finish of Rashad Evans back in April and is scheduled to fight Anthony Johnson in a No. 1-contender bout next month at UFC 202. The UFC could make an emergency call to the Brazilian, though.
He's won three consecutive fights, all by finish, and is already in camp and one of two light heavyweights Cormier hasn't fought.
UFC president Dana White said that while the promotion would scour the earth looking for a replacement, he knows that he'll need to replace Jones with a name worthy of UFC 200.
Rashad Evans fits that bill.
He might be coming off a loss, but as a former champion, eighth-ranked Evans is one of the more recognizable figures in the sport. Like Bisping and Mousasi, he's made it clear he is willing to step in.
