Daniel Cormier has no interest in reigniting his rivalry with Jon Jones.
During a recent fan Q&A on YouTube, “Bones” was asked how he believes he would perform against Cormier if they faced off at heavyweight in their prime. Cormier and Jones engaged in two memorable light heavyweight contests, both initially won by Jones (though their second bout was later ruled a no-contest after Jones tested positive for a banned substance).
Having since captured the UFC heavyweight title, Jones expressed confidence that he would defeat Cormier again, asserting the outcome would be “worse” than their previous encounters at 205 pounds.
Appearing on an ESPN segment promoting the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter, Cormier addressed Jones`s comment, expressing bewilderment that the subject was even raised.
“Jon Jones, back 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,’” Cormier stated. “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 2019, Jones told BT Sport that he had no desire to fight Cormier in the heavyweight division because he felt Cormier would possess size and strength advantages in that scenario.
“Daniel Cormier is a special athlete and everyone can be beat,” Jones said at the time. “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.”
He added, “Right now I make light heavyweight very easily and it just wouldn’t make no sense to fight a guy who I think technically [is] on your level, and to give him a size advantage, I’m not doing it. I’m not doing it. I’m sure my fans don’t like to hear me talk like that, but that’s just me being a realist and being respectful to Daniel’s abilities.”
Cormier further discussed Jones`s remarks on his Good Guy / Bad Guy podcast with Chael Sonnen.
“He actually said it,” Cormier confirmed. “He was like, ‘I wouldn’t fight Daniel at heavyweight.’ This was when I was actively fighting. And again, Jon and I’s rivalry is dead, it’s over, I don’t fight anymore. But come on, what are we doing?”
