Fans almost witnessed a rekindling of the intense rivalry between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. Both former two-division UFC champions, Jones and Cormier harbored a deep animosity during their time competing in the light heavyweight division.
Daniel Cormier challenged Jon Jones for the title twice. The first bout was at UFC 182, and the second, while Cormier was champion, took place at UFC 214. Jones won both fights initially, but the result of the rematch was later changed to a no-contest after Jones tested positive for Turinabol, a banned steroid.
Jon Jones, who currently holds the UFC Heavyweight Championship and is widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists ever, previously stated that Cormier was his most significant rival and a source of motivation.
Years after their historic feud reached its peak, the same Russian reality television program that featured Nate Diaz and Jon Jones as coaches reportedly approached Cormier to participate.
Daniel Cormier turned down coaching role against Jon Jones on TV
On a recent Monday, Cormier disclosed that he received an offer to serve as a coach opposite Jon Jones on a reality show filmed in Thailand, reportedly titled ‘ALF Reality’. The show is often likened to the UFC’s long-running series ‘The Ultimate Fighter’, where aspiring fighters compete and are guided by renowned athletes.
Despite the intriguing prospect of facing his old adversary `Bones` across the mat, Cormier chose not to accept the offer, leading the show to sign Nate Diaz instead.
“I was offered to coach, against [Jones] prior, but I didn’t accept it,” Cormier shared on his YouTube channel.
Cormier has prior experience coaching ‘The Ultimate Fighter’, having coached against Stipe Miocic on ‘TUF 27’ in 2018 and more recently, post-retirement, with Chael Sonnen for the upcoming ‘TUF 33’ season.
Daniel Cormier cites inability to fight Jon Jones as a factor
Cormier has been out of active competition in MMA for nearly five years, with his last fight being his heavyweight title defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 252. While a return to fighting wasn`t part of the reality show offer, the 46-year-old Cormier explained that agreeing to a reunion with Jon Jones, given their contentious past, was difficult.
“I can’t do a month in Thailand, opposite side Jon Jones,” Cormier elaborated.
“Especially when I can’t fight that dude no more…
“He beat me when I was fighting. I can’t really fight today. I’m 46 years old. Like, come on, man.”
Regarding the reality TV proposal with Jones, Cormier concluded, “I mean, I would do it for fun, but I’m not ready to spend a month in Thailand.”
Jack Thornley