Daniel Cormier has expressed that he believes he was responsible for his own downfall. The rivalry between Cormier and Jon Jones stands out as one of the most intense in UFC history. Before their fights inside the Octagon, tensions escalated with insults and a physical altercation at a press conference, where Jones emerged victorious.
Jones won against Cormier by unanimous decision at UFC 182 in 2015. In their 2017 rematch, Jones initially knocked out Cormier, but the victory was later changed to a no-contest after Jones tested positive for banned substances. Although this changed the official record to remove the loss for Cormier, he regrets losing focus in that fight and recognizes what he should have done differently.
Cormier, a former two-division UFC champion, reflected on his career and identified his rematch with Jones as his biggest regret. He said he was in great shape and fighting well until Jones kicked him in the body, which he accepted, but when Jones aimed a kick at his head, Cormier lost focus. He admitted to becoming arrogant, talking during the fight, and not maintaining his usual intense concentration, which ultimately cost him.
Nowadays, the rivalry has mostly simmered down to occasional online exchanges, but Cormier has expressed interest in facing Jones outside the UFC. In a recent conversation, he revealed he would be willing to leave the UFC to wrestle Jones in his new grappling promotion, Real American Freestyle (RAF). Notable UFC athletes like Beau Nickal and Belal Muhammad have already competed in RAF, with more stars like Arman Tsarukyan and Colby Covington expected to join in 2026.
Fan Take: This update is significant for fight fans because it revives the legendary Cormier-Jones rivalry in a new format, offering a fresh angle for combat sports enthusiasts. Their potential grappling match in RAF could not only bring closure to one of MMA’s greatest rivalries but also elevate the popularity of grappling competitions within the sport’s broader landscape.
