Jimi Manuwa reveals Dana White promised him title shot with UFC 214 win
Top ranked UFC light heavyweight knockout artist Jimi Manuwa has been on a tear of the UFC’s light heavyweight division recently, going on a 2-fight win streak that has seen him knock out both Ovince Saint-Preux, and Corey Anderson. The back to back wins for Manuwa saw the English striker land at #2 on the UFC’s official rankings behind his teammate, #1 contender Alexander Gustafsson.
Following UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier’s recent win over Anthony Johnson in April, Manuwa called for a title fight with Cormier. Ultimately, the UFC booked a light heavyweight title fight between Cormier and former light heavyweight kingpin Jon Jones for this summer, and booked Manuwa for a UFC 214 showdown with Volkan Oezdemir on July 29th.
Ahead of that fight, Manuwa revealed that UFC President Dana White has promised him a title shot with a win over Oezdemir:
“I’m okay, I can’t argue with Jon Jones getting the fight,” Manuwa told Ariel Helwani on Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour. “He’s one of the greatest fighters of all-time, like I said before. I believe I’ll knock Volkan out and Dana said I’ll get a title shot after that, so if one more person has to get it, then so be it.”
Given that light heavyweight #1 contender Alexander Gustafsson has a storied rivalry with both Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier, many expect him to fight the winner of this summer’s Jones vs. Cormier II showdown, however with that being said, the two teammates are indifferent regarding who gets the title shot first:
“We both don’t really care who gets the title shot first,” Manuwa explained. “Alex I’d say he’s the best in the world and I’d be happy for him to get it, and I’d be happy to get it myself. We don’t let that come in between us. We train together, help each other out, we’re friends and good sparring partners, so I don’t really care who gets it. Obviously, I want it and he wants it, so whatever happens, happens.”
on 6/8/2017.
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Jimi Manuwa
