Daniel Cormier challenged Jon Jones following Jones`s statement that he would defeat Cormier even more decisively in the heavyweight division.
Nearly eight years have passed since their last encounter, yet the rivalry between Jones and Cormier remains a widely discussed topic, recognized as one of the most significant in UFC history.
Daniel Cormier holds an 0-2 record against Jones in their light heavyweight contests. Their second fight at UFC 214 originally ended in a TKO victory for Jones, but the result was later changed to a no-contest after Jones tested positive for the steroid Turinabol.
Despite never officially defeating Jon Jones in competition, the current UFC Heavyweight Champion once named Cormier as the most significant rival and motivator throughout his acclaimed career.
While UFC fans are eagerly awaiting a potential super-fight between Jones and Tom Aspinall, Jones recently drew attention by claiming he would beat Cormier worse if they were to fight at heavyweight with both athletes in their prime.
Cormier, a former champion who suffered only one loss in the heavyweight division, expressed his disagreement.
Daniel Cormier Labels Jon Jones` Heavyweight Fight Claim `Out of His Mind`
This week, Cormier addressed Jones`s comments by highlighting that Jones himself stated in 2019 that he would not fight Cormier at heavyweight.
Cormier pointed out that in the same interview, Jones admitted his highest chance of losing would be to an opponent like Cormier, acknowledging Cormier`s potential power and strength advantages.
“Let`s clarify this for everyone,” Cormier stated on the `Good Guy / Bad Guy` show.
“Jon Jones, while I was still actively competing, explicitly said he wouldn`t fight Daniel at heavyweight because it would give him an advantage. `That’s where he’s best at.`”
“He`s completely out of his mind…”
Commenting on Jones`s specific phrasing, where he claimed he`d beat him `pretty worse` at heavyweight, Cormier remarked, “It was very bad English from Jon Jones.”
Daniel Cormier`s Heavyweight Record: Only Defeated by Stipe Miocic
Before securing the light heavyweight championship during Jon Jones`s absence, Daniel Cormier was a dominant presence in the heavyweight division, amassing 13 consecutive victories.
As a heavyweight, the accomplished wrestler defeated notable fighters including former UFC champion Frank Mir, Josh Barnett, Antonio Silva, and Roy Nelson before transitioning to the 205lbs division in 2014.
In 2018, at the age of 39, Cormier made history by becoming a simultaneous two-division champion, knocking out Stipe Miocic in the first round at UFC 226 to capture the heavyweight title.
Cormier successfully defended his heavyweight title against Derrick Lewis a few months later, improving his undefeated record in the division to 15-0.
Stipe Miocic, widely regarded as potentially the greatest heavyweight of all time, would later avenge his loss in their trilogy. Miocic secured a comeback knockout victory over Cormier in 2019, followed by a decision win in their final bout at UFC 252 in 2020.
Daniel Cormier retired from mixed martial arts at age 41 after his decision defeat to Miocic at UFC 252.
Jack Thornley