Jimi Manuwa has most definitely found his voice.
Typically stoic and more prone to doing his talking inside the Octagon, London's Manuwa has been markedly more vocal since knocking out Corey Anderson in the headliner of UFC Fight Night 108 last month.
But ever since Anderson's head bounced off the mat on March 18, the man who delivered the fight-ending left hook has been calling for a title shot... a lot.
Manuwa wants the chance to meet Daniel Cormier for light heavyweight gold this year and, having travelled to New York to be present for the most recent title defence of 'DC', it seems like the Brit's wish has been granted.
Prior to jetting off for Buffalo,
'The Poster Boy' confirmed to JOE that he was only interested in the winner of Cormier vs. 'Rumble', Jon Jones or a boxing match with David Haye.
But, after speaking with UFC president Dana White, it would appear that a shot at the gold is next in line for Manuwa.
https://twitter.com/POSTERBOYJM/status/852888282744500224
https://twitter.com/POSTERBOYJM/status/853990726241316864
https://twitter.com/dc_mma/status/854020187443519488
https://twitter.com/POSTERBOYJM/status/853998263959257089
https://twitter.com/dc_mma/status/854020444948647936
https://twitter.com/POSTERBOYJM/status/854003605225041920
https://twitter.com/dc_mma/status/854020880564748288
https://twitter.com/dc_mma/status/854022283307868161
https://twitter.com/dc_mma/status/854022830098268160
https://twitter.com/POSTERBOYJM/status/854023519654617090
https://twitter.com/dc_mma/status/854023713624162304
https://twitter.com/POSTERBOYJM/status/854024032013910017
https://twitter.com/dc_mma/status/854024290060034048
From where we're sitting, that looks like a verbal agreement to fight.
The only thing that would stand in Manuwa's way of the next title shot is a little obstacle by the name of Jon Jones, the former 205lbs kingpin who never lost his belt in the Octagon.
Come July, Jones will have served his year suspension for a failed drug's test and, according to ESPN's Brett Okamoto, 'Bones' will get first dibs on the next title shot this summer.
https://twitter.com/bokamotoESPN/status/854146169529704449
If Jones decides to take a tune-up fight, however, which is very likely, then the opportunity will be afforded to Manuwa to become only the second fighter from the United Kingdom to claim UFC gold.
