Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones are forever intertwined by one of the most legendary rivalries in UFC history. While Jones holds the upper hand in their battles, the two icons remain fixtures in MMA lore.
Despite having announced his retirement last year, Jon “Bones” Jones has not closed the door on a UFC comeback but aims to embark on an unusual detour first. Having served as a coach on the Russian edition of “The Ultimate Fighter” last year, Jones is set to return for the next season, going head-to-head with his long-time adversary Daniel Cormier once again.
Cormier and Jones have faced off multiple times over the years, including a heated confrontation during a press conference. Fans often worried about the consequences of bringing the two back together given their tumultuous past, but Cormier revealed in an interview with Red Corner MMA that their dynamic has evolved.
“Being around Jon Jones is different now because we have a tough history, but since I’m done fighting, that chapter is closed,” Cormier said. “We make an effort to stay professional, even though we still argue, but we’ve reached a point where we can coexist without aiming to fight each other.”
Although both serve as coaches this season, tempers flared when Nate Diaz got into an altercation with a contestant, leading to Diaz leaving the show while coaching Jones.
Despite their progress, Cormier still hopes for a proper rematch with Jones. Recently, the 46-year-old challenged Jones to a wrestling match under the Royal Air Force banner, promising he’d take it seriously given his sporting background.
Fan Take: This development is huge for fight fans because it keeps alive one of MMA’s most intense rivalries in a fresh, unexpected format. Seeing these two legends face off in new settings, whether on the mat or coaching rivals, adds layers to their story and keeps the sport exciting.
