Daniel Cormier Reveals ‘Dark Reality Check’ He Faced During Heated Rivalry With Jon Jones

UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier talks about how the loss to Jon Jones had a major impact on his career and mindset.

Daniel Cormier Reveals ‘Dark Reality Check’ He Faced During Heated Rivalry With Jon Jones

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier (Image via ESPN)

Daniel Cormier reached several milestones during his career before becoming one of the UFC’s greatest champions. He captained the USA Olympic wrestling team and became a UFC double champion. However, his biggest storyline remained his rivalry with Jon Jones.

Cormier and Jones first met at UFC 182 in January 2015, with Jones defending his light heavyweight title. Cormier entered undefeated, but Jones controlled the fight with his range, striking, and wrestling. Jones ultimately won by unanimous decision, handing DC his first professional loss.

They met again at UFC 214 in July 2017, with Cormier defending his light heavyweight title. Jones stopped him in the third round with a head kick and follow-up strikes. However, the result was later overturned to a no contest after Jones failed a drug test.

Their rivalry continued for years through social media callouts, public insults, and repeated exchanges between the former champions. Cormier has also questioned their second fight because ‘Bones’ tested positive following UFC 214. However, DC has now revealed the deeper mental impact of losing to Jones’ talent.

It was the first time that I had come across someone that was able to beat me while not working like I worked. That was hard for me, that was one of the reasons why I struggled so much in the relationship with him. I don’t understand how I can do everything hard, work and everything else, and he was still able to beat me.

Daniel Cormier via ALF Reality

Another chapter of their rivalry is unfolding through ALF Global, where Cormier and Jones coach opposing teams in a reality show inspired by The Ultimate Fighter. The show has brought the former rivals together again, with their competitive relationship continuing through banter between the coaches.

Almost nine years after their last fight, rumors emerged about a potential third meeting between Cormier and Jones. Both fighters had agreed to a wrestling match. However, Jones later declined the possibility during a secret interview, citing arthritis as a major barrier.

However, Cormier also showed sympathy toward Jones during an instance on the ALF Global show. Jones was struck in the chest by a football and reportedly could not stop coughing afterward. Seeing his former rival struggle left Cormier feeling sympathy for Jones despite their long-running rivalry.

Cormier now runs his own academy while remaining a regular presence on UFC broadcasts as a media personality and commentator. Jones, meanwhile, coaches UFC heavyweight prospect Gable Steveson, helping the Olympic gold medalist develop his MMA skills.

The rivalry resurfaced when Jones claimed Daniel Cormier admitted their feud had made him too much money to end publicly.

DC later denied having that conversation, insisting their rivalry was genuine and not created for cameras. His recent comments about Jon Jones’ talent add another layer to their complicated history.

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Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov developed their close relationship as teammates at American Kickboxing Academy, where they trained alongside each other. Their friendship grew into a brotherhood, with Cormier becoming one of the undefeated legend’s closest allies during his UFC career.

One of the UFC’s biggest rivalries developed between Nurmagomedov and Conor McGregor before UFC 229. The feud became personal as McGregor targeted Nurmagomedov’s family, religion, nationality, and father. It escalated further when McGregor attacked a bus carrying Nurmagomedov’s team at UFC 223.

Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229
Daniel Cormier and Khabib Nurmagomedov at UFC 229 (via MMA Fighting)

The rivalry culminated at UFC 229 after Nurmagomedov submitted McGregor in the fourth round. ‘The Eagle’ then jumped the cage and attacked McGregor’s teammate Dillon Danis, triggering a wider brawl. Cormier had intervened to calm Nurmagomedov and prevent the situation from escalating further.

Over the years, Cormier has spoken with Conor McGregor in multiple interviews and shared lighthearted moments with him. However, Cormier has now revealed that his team does not have a good relationship with McGregor after his feud with Nurmagomedov.

It went to a way different level. We spoke about family, spoke about religion, all these other things that are off limits. And I know my brothers, and I know how committed they are to their religion, their faith, and their family. So when you do that, there’s no coming back from that.

Daniel Cormier via ALF Global

Cormier explained that his rivalry with Jon Jones was also deeply personal, but they could separate their feud from real life.

DC believes McGregor crossed a different line by bringing family and religion into the rivalry. That distinction explains why Cormier’s team still views ‘The Notorious One’ differently years later.

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