The bad blood is real and things are going to get settled at UFC 197.

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier are set to lock horns at April’s UFC 197 event. Both men have quite the storied rivalry, one that stretches back more than a year. Both are alpha males looking to put their stamp on the MMA world, both have held the UFC light heavyweight championship, but come April 23 only one man can call themselves the best 205 pound fighter in the world. As entertaining as it has been to watch these two verbally bash each other, not to mention the fight they put on last time, you have to wonder if the two are taking things too far. Whether it’s Jones’ derogatory statements towards the champion, or Cormier’s statement that he would die to defeat his rival, there’s the sense that this bad blood isn’t simply about competition, but personal satisfaction. Both men want to hurt each other and prove to the other man that they’re superior. Surely from the sounds of it you’re waiting to hear how their unsportsmanlike behavior isn’t the best message to send to younger fans. Sorry to disappoint, but you’ll hear no such nonsense out of me. In fact I’m willing to support some of their childish statements and mental games as something that MMA sorely needs. With the recent losses sustained by Ronda Rousey, Holly Holm, and Conor McGregor, the UFC needs a big fight for fans to latch onto and some stars that are really going to sell an event. The Jones-Cormier rivalry is exactly what the UFC needs. It’s compelling entertainment to say the least. To see two men who clearly dislike each other settle their differences in unarmed combat is the thing of high school after school brawls. One person wishes to stake their claim as the big man on campus and it’s going to come down to who is willing to sacrifice everything for victory. With April 23 steadily approaching the bad blood is as heated as ever and Jones and Cormier won’t have to wait long to prove who wants it more. Not every bout is about skill and honor and I for one can’t wait to see which one of these alphas comes out on top. Do you think the Jones-Cormier rivalry elevates MMA? Follow Generation Iron MMA on Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to share, like, and comment to show your support.

Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.