Daniel Cormier hasn’t shied away from speaking openly about his rivalry with Jon Jones, and during a recent appearance on Club Shay Shay, the UFC Hall of Famer shared some candid thoughts about Jones’ legacy, his reluctance to move to heavyweight during their era, and the impact of performance enhancing drugs on his standing in the sport.
On PEDs and Legacy
Cormier addressed the long standing cloud over Jones’ resume stemming from failed drug tests.
“Steroids in fighting is much different than anything else in the world… you just can’t have that tied to your name, especially in fighting, and people call you the greatest of all-time.”
Cormier emphasized that in combat sports, unlike other professional leagues, PED use doesn’t just affect records it directly compromises fighter safety. For him, that’s why Jones’ greatness will always be debated rather than universally accepted.
On Heavyweight and Missed Opportunities
Cormier also reflected on Jones’ decision not to face him at heavyweight during their peak rivalry.
“Jon Jones wasn’t beating me at heavyweight. … He almost admitted it. He said, in the time that we were fighting, he goes, ‘No, I’m not going to fight him at heavyweight. That would be giving him the advantage.’”
Cormier argued that Jones avoided him in the division where he himself found the most success, ultimately capturing the UFC heavyweight title in 2018.
On Jones’ Skillset
Despite his criticisms, Cormier acknowledged the unique challenges Jones brought into their fights.
“Jones doesn’t punch hard, but he has other tools.”
Those “other tools” creativity, fight IQ, length, and versatility allowed Jones to defeat Cormier twice at light heavyweight (with one result overturned due to a failed drug test).
“So we jab each other, and my nose started bleeding. I was like, well, why my nose bleeding? He don’t hit hard. My shit bleeding, his shit bleeding, for different reasons.”
Cormier threw some shade at Jones, mocking his drug use with that comment. Apparently there is still no love lost between them.
The Rivalry That Defined an Era
Cormier vs. Jones remains one of MMA’s greatest rivalries, marked by personal animosity, elite level competition, and controversies that shaped both men’s careers. While Jones eventually moved up to heavyweight years later and became champion, Cormier’s comments highlight how the battles they never had and the controversies surrounding Jones continue to fuel debate about who truly deserved the throne.
Without a doubt I think Jon Jones will respond to Daniel Cormier’s comments from Club Shay Shay. So stay tune as these two bitter rivals continue to trade jabs out of the Octagon.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
