Daniel Cormier Opens up on the Challenges of Fighting Jon Jones

During an interview with PowerfulJRE on December 7, 2023, Daniel Cormier, former professional MMA, and current commentator for the UFC, revealed insight into the challenges he faced when fighting Jon Jones.

The conversation, which initially veered into a discussion about various topics, eventually focused on Cormier’s experience in the octagon against Jones. 

The former professional MMA reflected on the intense dynamics of their encounters, providing a glimpse into the physical and mental toll of facing a formidable opponent like Jones.

He delved into the intricacies of the fight game, drawing parallels to the primal instincts seen in nature, citing examples like bears asserting dominance. 

Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones at the MGM Grand. (Source: )

Cormier recounted an incident during a press event with Jones at the MGM Grand, where their confrontation escalated, showcasing the alpha-male tendencies of both fighters. 

He said, “When I was in that press fight with Jon Jones, I was still undefeated at the time, and we were at the MGM Grand, and he head-butted me, like put his head on me. So, I push him. He’s an alpha male too. So, the [explicit] attacks me.”

Transitioning to the discussion about the planned fight with Jones that got canceled, Cormier expressed his disappointment. He provided insights into the nature of injuries in the sport, particularly referencing Jones’ unique injury that occurred seemingly in a non-traditional grappling scenario. 

The conversation further revealed Jones’ physical transformation, his weightlifting regimen, and the challenges of maintaining muscle mass while ensuring it remains functional for the demands of professional fighting. 

Cormier touched upon the complexities of dealing with a tall and rangy opponent like Jones, emphasizing his understanding of the fight game and his ability to manipulate positions effectively.

As Cormier vividly recounted his experiences, he shed light on the physical toll of clinching with Jones, a taller opponent, and the nuances of managing distance. 

He detailed the excruciating pain inflicted by body kicks and knees, highlighting the strategic brilliance of Jones in controlling the fight’s pace. 

Complete timeline of Daniel Cormier vs Jon Jones

The rivalry between Cormier and Jones occurred at UFC 121 in Anaheim, California, five months before Jones ascended to the UFC light heavyweight championship. 

Cormier, then a heavyweight in Strikeforce, and Jones exchanged words backstage, with Jones playfully expressing his belief that he could take Cormier down. However, this encounter laid the groundwork for a deep-seated animosity between the two fighters.

Their paths diverged for a few years, with Cormier transitioning to the UFC light heavyweight division in 2014 and Jones maintaining his dominance in the weight class. 

As Cormier climbed the ranks, he became a vocal critic of Jones’s behavior outside the cage, accusing him of being fake and a hypocrite. The tension escalated on social media and in interviews, creating a volatile atmosphere that fueled the anticipation for their eventual clash inside the octagon.

The first scheduled encounter at UFC 178 in September 2014 was thwarted by Jones’s leg injury, but the fight was rescheduled for UFC 182 in January 2015. 

Jones secured a unanimous decision victory after a back-and-forth battle. The aftermath was marked by Jones’s public disrespect for Cormier. The rematch, initially slated for UFC 197 in April 2016, was postponed due to Cormier’s foot injury. 

When the rematch finally took place at UFC 214 on July 29, 2017, Jones delivered a third-round knockout, reclaiming the title. However, the joy was short-lived as Jones tested positive for turinabol, leading to the fight being overturned to a no-contest, and Jones was stripped of the title again.

Cormier recovered his title by default and went on to become a two-division champion by defeating Stipe Miocic. He successfully defended his titles in both weight classes before falling short against Miocic at UFC 241 in August 2019 and UFC 252 in August 2020.