Former UFC double champ Daniel Cormier believes Jon Jones deserves an immediate heavyweight title shot when he finally makes his debut in the division. “Bones” (26-1) vacated his 205-pound belt in August and announced his decision to move up, but has yet to officially be given a fight in his new weight class. Though take a look at his Instagram and you’ll see plenty of pictures of a bulked up, 240-pound Jones pumping iron at the Jackson Wink gym in Albuquerque. The 33-year-old American is of course keen to be thrown in straight at the deep end against the champ Stipe Miocic (20-3), though some observes feel he should prove himself against a contender first. Not his former great rival “DC” (22-3). Now 41 and retired, Cormier is simply an observer on the sidelines as a broadcast analyst for the UFC, but doesn’t let his chequered past with the former two-time light heavyweight champ colour his opinion. “I think he’s gonna get a title fight,” Cormier told SCMP MMA. “And I don’t see anything wrong with that. I think for all he’s accomplished over the course of his career, if anyone is deserving of an immediate title shot it’s Jon Jones.” Will Jon Jones be the UFC’s top story of 2021? Jones holds a plethora of records including the longest unbeaten streak in UFC history (18), most consecutive wins in the light heavyweight division (13), and most wins in UFC title fights (14). He is also tied with Demetrious Johnson (27-3-1) for most successful title defences (11). And he is one of just two men to have beaten Cormier – the other being Miocic, twice (Jones’s second victory over Cormier was made a no contest after Jones failed a pre-fight drugs test). “I do believe when he gets to heavyweight and he’s competing there, he’s gonna be very successful,” added Cormier. “I’ve competed with the guy on a couple of occasions and felt him and seen him and experienced his skill level, and I do believe that with the skill he possesses, with the fighting style, and honestly the guy is smart, he’s a very smart fighter in there. “I think he can take that and it will translate to him being successful at heavyweight.”