UFC Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones recently voiced his certainty that he would always remain a step ahead of his fierce competitor, Daniel Cormier. Despite their renewed interactions as coaches on the new ALF Reality series, Jones firmly believes their rivalry remains as intense as ever. Jones is currently gearing up to defend his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic, while Cormier has been enjoying his retirement since 2020.
Jones has openly declared his belief that Olympic wrestling standout Gable Steveson has the potential to overshadow Cormier's heavyweight legacy. He also openly challenged Cormier to a wrestling match, implying he would once again emerge victorious. Jones's remarks underscore the enduring nature of their contentious relationship, which has been a prominent storyline in the UFC for years.
Jon Jones Challenges Daniel Cormier's Legacy with Gable Steveson's Rise
Jon Jones, the dominant force in both the Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight divisions of the UFC, has not shied away from reigniting his long-standing rivalry with Daniel Cormier. Despite their recent collaborative efforts as coaches on the ALF Reality series, Jones asserted that his opinion of Cormier remains unchanged, reiterating his confidence in surpassing his rival's achievements. He articulated his belief that he has successfully distanced Cormier from any serious consideration in the 'greatest of all time' discussions, particularly within the heavyweight division. This assertion comes as Jones prepares for his next title defense against Stipe Miocic, while Cormier has been retired from fighting since 2020.
Adding fuel to the fire, Jones introduced Olympic gold medalist and rising MMA prospect Gable Steveson into the conversation, suggesting that Steveson's impending 2024 UFC debut could further diminish Cormier's standing among heavyweight legends. Jones highlighted Steveson's impressive 2-0 MMA record as a testament to his potential, implying that Steveson's future success could effectively push Cormier further down the list in historical heavyweight rankings. This bold claim emphasizes Jones's competitive spirit and his ongoing efforts to solidify his own legacy while simultaneously challenging that of his most significant rival.
Jones Taunts Cormier with Wrestling Match Challenge and Past Victories
The intense rivalry between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier continues to simmer, with Jones once again taking aim at his long-time adversary. Despite Cormier's retirement from professional fighting, Jones seized the opportunity to propose a hypothetical wrestling match, further stoking the flames of their contentious relationship. This challenge comes amidst speculation from fellow UFC stars regarding how such a matchup might unfold in 2026, showcasing the enduring interest in their legendary feud. Jones's willingness to engage in a wrestling contest, a domain where both men have strong backgrounds, underscores his unwavering confidence in his abilities against Cormier.
In a direct jab at Cormier, Jones reflected on their past encounters, recalling a particularly emotional moment where he claimed to have made Cormier cry in front of the world. While acknowledging the unpredictable nature of a pure wrestling bout, Jones's remark served as a clear reminder of his psychological dominance over Cormier throughout their careers. This statement reinforces the deeply personal aspect of their rivalry, where not only physical prowess but also mental fortitude plays a crucial role. The challenge for a wrestling match, coupled with a pointed reference to his past victory, demonstrates Jones's continued desire to assert his superiority over Cormier, even years after their last professional fight.