Daniel Cormier News: 'DC' Willing To Fight Alexander Gustafsson If Jon Jones Stalls, 'Should Be For Interim Title' [EXCLUSIVE]

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on May 29, 2014 03:42 PM EDT By Franklin McNeil on May 29, 2014 03:42 PM EDT

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It's been nearly a week since UFC president Dana White announced that he is waiting for light heavyweight champion Jon Jones to sign for a title defense against top-ranked contender Alexander Gustafsson. The bout is tentatively slated for Aug. 30 at UFC 177 in Las Vegas.

Jones has yet to sign a bout agreement, and Gustafsson is starting to get annoyed. He wants a second shot at Jones, who narrowly retained his belt when the two met Sept. 21 at UFC 165 in Toronto.

Jones is expected to sign, but in the event the champ decides otherwise, Gustafsson can take solace in knowing that there is a high-profile opponent willing, ready and able to step in.

"I know this will probably be unpopular," Daniel Cormier told SportsWorldNews.com on Thursday. "But if [Jones] won't sign, whether it be for money or a lack of wanting to fight the kid, I'll fight Alexander Gustafsson. But it should be for the interim title."

The undefeated Cormier, who is coming off an impressive submission win Saturday night over Dan Henderson at UFC 173, is eager for a shot at the 205-pound title.

The former highly ranked heavyweight contender abandoned his quest for that crown after vowing he'd never face close friend and current champion Cain Velasquez. The two are also training partners at American Kickboxing Academy in San Jose, Calif.

Cormier has been dominant at 205 pounds - going 2-0. He stopped Patrick Cummins by first-round TKO in his light heavyweight debut on Feb. 22 at UFC 170.

Against Henderson, he left the cage injury-free and would have no problem getting in tip-top shape for Gustafsson. The only issue for Cormier, 35, is getting a title shot.

"If they're putting a belt on the line, I don't care what date it is," said Cormier, who is 15-0 as a professional. "It was never about Jones, I just want the title.

"Besides, it'll work out better for [Jones]; he won't have to fight both of us."

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