Rumored Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier Wrestling Contest Gets Stalled as DC Expose Old Rival

ALF Global founder hints at organizing a potential wrestling match between coaches Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier.

Rumored Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier Wrestling Contest Gets Stalled as DC Expose Old Rival

Jon Jones may take on Daniel Cormier in wrestling match (via Boxing Scene, X)

Despite his recent rift with the UFC, Jon Jones remains one of combat sports’ biggest names. His heated rivalry with Daniel Cormier remains a defining chapter of his decorated career. Now serving as opposing coaches on a Russian reality show, the longtime rivals have reignited interest in their feud. The development has now also sparked talks of a potential third meeting under wrestling rules.

Jones and Cormier first met at UFC 182 in January 2015, where ‘Bones’ retained the light heavyweight title through a unanimous decision victory. Their rematch took place at UFC 214 in July 2017, with Jones initially winning by knockout. However, the result was later overturned to a no contest after Jones failed a drug test, leaving their official rivalry record at one win for Jones and one no contest.

Jones and DC recently reunited as opposing coaches on the third season of ALF Reality, a Russian reality series modeled after The Ultimate Fighter. The show was organized by ALF Global founder Alfredo Auditore, who announced the former champions as rival team leaders. Their involvement has reignited one of MMA’s most notable feuds, while Auditore is also reportedly exploring a potential wrestling match.

We’ve made a wrestling match: Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier in our PWL (Professional Wrestling League). It’s almost confirmed from both sides. Let’s do it! In the works. Negotiating.

Alfredo Auditore via Instagram

Sometime later, ‘DC’ exposed his old rival for ducking a wrestling contest and claimed that Jones knew he would lose in a potential bout.

I know I’m going to beat him in a wrestling match, and he knows it too. That’s why he won’t do it. We’ve been offered seven figures to wrestle. If you offered me that kind of money, I’d be in all day

Daniel Cormier said on his YT Channel

Talks of a wrestling match between Jones and Cormier are not new to ALF. Jones previously expressed a desire for a 3-0 mark against his longtime rival during their banter about the promotion. However, those plans were called into question when a video surfaced of Jones saying he would never compete again. The former UFC champion cited ongoing arthritis issues as a key factor behind that stance.

However, Jones later clarified that arthritis has been an issue for years and has not prevented him from competing. While acknowledging the condition can be painful, he indicated that it would not stop him from returning to action. Jones also recently fueled speculation about his future by hinting at a possible debut in the RAF promotion after his student, Gable Steveson, defeated Alexander Romanov at RAF 09.

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Daniel Cormier finally softens up to Jon Jones after years of rivalry

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier shared one of the most heated rivalries in UFC history. Their feud extended beyond competition and became a defining storyline of the era. Tensions famously erupted during a promotional event for UFC 178, resulting in a widely publicized brawl. The animosity was also evident in several interviews, where the tension between them was impossible to ignore.

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier engage in banter
Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier engage in banter (via Body Lock MMA)

Even years after their last fight at UFC 214, Cormier maintained that he would never be friends with Jones. The former champions carried that same rivalry into ALF Reality, where they served as opposing coaches. Jones has also remained consistent in his stance, though he has occasionally attempted to extend an olive branch. However, recent comments from DC suggest he may have finally warmed up to his longtime rival.

After spending time with Jones over there in Thailand, he still annoys me, but he’s not as bad as I originally thought. With all the history, I can still tell you straight up that he ain’t what he was to me before. I don’t have the same level of dislike for him that I maybe had in the past.

Daniel Cormier via ALF Reality

Their rivalry has gradually evolved into a banter-filled relationship on ALF Reality. Jones has frequently joked with Cormier while the pair serve as opposing coaches on the show. One notable moment came when Jones rushed to stop DC from leaving after a heated altercation during filming. While the rivalry remains, their recent interactions suggest the hostility between them has eased over time.

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