there's nothing much to dissect.
Jones is the better fighter physically. He proved it in their last fight. There wasn't any particular area where it seemed like Cormier could beat Jones at. Jones beat Cormier pretty convincingly- while not at a GSP level of shutdown, there just isn't much where Cormier could capitalize on at this age especially with Jones looking even physically stronger.
The only factor I reckon that could play a difference, is Jones' mental state when the bell rings. I don't believe in ring rust- this was made famous by Dana White, a man who doesn't fight himself. Plenty of fighters have come back looking stronger or better than ever after a period of absence.
Jones certainly doesn't look like he has backtracked physically. What we don't know is how Jones is going to react to pressure, or adapt if perhaps things don't go his way right away. Will the nerves get the best of him? Will he snap mentally like Rumble and shy away from the gameplan while ignoring his coaches? Does Jones have doubt in himself right now?
Jones' battle is all mental imo. He seems like he's grown since he last fought. How much of his ammo was arrogance-fueled? Throwing Rampage over his shoulders at the bell, son'ing DC during their fight... what kind of fighter is he going to be if he has grown away from that? can he fight without being an egomaniac?
Many questions to be answered during the fight. One thing is for sure, If Jones comes out calm and focused, DC is fucked. The cuts have not been kind to DC, and he's been deteriorating his body especially with age, while Jones has been building up and recovering properly during his time off.
Cant wait
