Daniel Cormier has no desire to reignite his long-standing rivalry with Jon Jones.
During a recent YouTube Q&A session, Jon “Bones” Jones was asked how he thought he would perform against Cormier if they were to meet at heavyweight during their respective primes. The two combat sports icons previously faced off twice in the light heavyweight division, with Jones emerging victorious in both contests (although their second bout was later changed to a no-contest after Jones tested positive for a banned substance).
Now the reigning UFC heavyweight champion, Jones expressed confidence that he would not only defeat Cormier again but would do so in an even more dominant fashion than their light heavyweight encounters.
Cormier addressed Jones`s remarks during a segment on ESPN promoting the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter. He appeared genuinely bewildered that the topic was even being discussed.
Recalling a previous statement from his former foe, Cormier quoted Jones as saying, “Jon Jones, when I was actively fighting said, `I would not fight Daniel at heavyweight because it gives him an advantage. That’s where he’s best at.`” Contrasting this with his current life, Cormier added, “I’m 46 years old, I am retired, I swing a golf club in my free time. He’s out of his mind.”
Cormier`s recollection is accurate. In a 2019 interview with BT Sport, Jones had indeed stated his lack of interest in fighting Cormier at heavyweight precisely because he believed Cormier would hold a size and strength advantage in that division. Jones elaborated at the time, saying, “I think my greatest chance of losing would be to a guy like Daniel Cormier, with giving him a power and strength advantage over me, it just doesn’t make sense… I’m not doing it.” He admitted that Cormier was technically on his level and saw no reason to give up a size advantage.
Cormier further elaborated on Jones`s recent comments during his podcast, Good Guy / Bad Guy, co-hosted by Chael Sonnen. He reiterated that Jones had previously refused to fight him at heavyweight while he was still an active competitor and firmly stated that their rivalry is now “dead, it’s over” given his retirement from the sport.
