Daniel Cormier insists his championship days inside the Octagon are over. But when Jon Jones is anywhere nearby, the competitive fire never truly goes out. Though the former rivals say they are more cordial now than at any point in their tumultuous history, the tension between them still simmers beneath the surface. That dynamic has been reignited as Cormier and Jones serve as opposing coaches on Season 3 of ALF Global’s Alf Reality, a competition format reminiscent of the UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter.
According to Cormier, the time spent filming together was a mix of professionalism and inevitable friction friction that often led to discussions about competing again.
“There were multiple occasions in the midst of the time spent together where Jones and I argued about fighting each other in a boxing match, to which I agreed to do if it’s just boxing,” Cormier said in a YouTube video.
Wrestling Talk Struck a Nerve
While boxing was floated, Cormier said the idea that gained the most momentum involved wrestling specifically, real American freestyle wrestling, not an exhibition or grappling hybrid.
“The one that caught fire the most was the wrestling thing, because I said that I would wrestle him in real American freestyle wrestling, and I would beat him,” Cormier said.
Cormier explained that the discussion stemmed from Jones previously suggesting an exhibition or charity grappling match. For Cormier, that distinction matters.
“There’s a desire, right? Regardless of the respect for the fighting ability, there’s a desire to compete against each other in something.”
Rivalry as a Blessing
Cormier acknowledged that Jones remains the defining rival of his career a rivalry that pushed him to levels few fighters ever reach, even though Jones repeatedly got the better of him in MMA.
“As a high-level competitor, having someone that could not only compete with you but beat you—and have the same level of drive that’s a blessing,” Cormier said.
While mutual respect exists as athletes, Cormier made it clear that doesn’t necessarily translate to friendship.
“On a personal level, we’re just different people,” he said, adding that he’s hesitant to believe Jones would ever truly seek a friendship.
Confidence on the Mats
If the two ever did compete again especially in wrestling Cormier is convinced the outcome would be one-sided.
Now 46, Cormier is an Olympic-level wrestler who competed in the 2004 Games and currently serves as a wrestling coach at Gilroy High School in Gilroy, California. He still trains regularly with his athletes.
“I still wrestle three days a week with the kids. I’m still drilling. I’m still doing moves,” Cormier said. “I don’t understand how this idea that I could lose a wrestling match is out there. But I guess we can find out.”
Cormier emphasized that the interest isn’t one-sided he’s simply the one willing to say it publicly.
“I’m not the only one talking about a wrestling match between Jon Jones and I. I’m just the only one doing it publicly.”
A Rivalry That Never Fully Ends
Cormier closed with a familiar declaration equal parts confidence and competitive pride.
“Stay tuned, because if he steps on that line, I’m taking this dude 10-0,” he said. “For the rest of my life, there’s going to be a desire to compete with Jon Jones, and I’m okay with that.”
Even years removed from their final fight, the rivalry between Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones remains unfinished just waiting for the next arena.
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Robert LaMar is a writer for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X via @RobertLaMar26
