Few rivalries in MMA history burned as hot or as personally as Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier. From press-conference chaos to championship fights steeped in controversy, their feud defined an era at light heavyweight. Now, years removed from their last confrontation inside the Octagon, Jones believes an unexpected reunion could finally change the dynamic.
Jones and Cormier are set to serve as opposing coaches on the ALF MMA reality series, filmed in Thailand and “Bones” sees the experience as an opportunity for reconciliation rather than renewed hostility.
“I think it would be great to have Daniel Cormier part of this show,” Jones said, via MMA Uncensored. “Obviously him and I have a rough history. I know he doesn’t like me very much we’ve beaten him twice but I think him coming out here to Thailand and filming with me would be a great opportunity for us to mend this jacked-up relationship.
“But I have no problems with him. I think, if anything, him coming out here would give us both an opportunity to maybe start a friendship.”
A Rivalry That Defined a Generation
Jones and Cormier first collided in January 2015. When Jones won a unanimous decision to defend his light heavyweight title for the eighth time. What followed was years of turbulence that kept their rivalry alive even when they weren’t sharing the cage.
After Jones was stripped of the belt and suspended following a hit-and-run incident, Cormier captured the vacant title. Jones later won an interim belt in July 2016 by defeating Ovince Saint Preux after Cormier withdrew from their scheduled rematch at UFC 197.
Their long-awaited unification bout at UFC 200 fell apart due to a failed drug test by Jones, further deepening the animosity. When they finally met again in July 2017, Jones knocked out Cormier only for the result to be overturned to a no-contest due to the infamous picogram ruling.
Cormier was reinstated as champion, defended the belt, and later moved up to heavyweight, where he defeated Stipe Miocic and Derrick Lewis before retiring following two losses to Miocic.
Jones, meanwhile, reclaimed the 205-pound title. Defended it three times, and later moved up to heavyweight to secure a second UFC championship.
From Bitter Enemies to Possible Allies?
For years, Jones vs. Cormier was fueled by resentment, mistrust, and unresolved grievances. The idea of the two sharing a coaching role let alone building a friendship once seemed impossible.
But time, distance from competition, and shared experiences outside the cage may have softened the edges.
Whether the ALF MMA reality series becomes a genuine turning point or simply another chapter in a complicated saga remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Jones, at least, is open to rewriting the ending.
After everything they’ve been through, even the possibility of peace is a storyline few saw coming.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
