(Video) Jon Jones Dares UFC Legend Daniel Cormier to a 1-Minute Fight to Settle Dispute on Viral Reality Show
Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier keep their competitive edge and rivalry alive almost nine years after their last meeting.
Jon Jones challenges Daniel Cormier (via Bloody Elbow)
- Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier continue their rivalry as opposing coaches on the Russian reality show ALF Reality.
- Jones challenged Cormier to a one-minute fight during filming, highlighting their ongoing animosity.
- Despite moments of respect, both fighters maintain their competitive edge and engage in lighthearted trash talk.
The rivalry between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier is widely regarded as one of the most intense in MMA history. The two former UFC champions developed genuine animosity that went far beyond normal competition. Their last fight took place in 2017, but tensions have continued resurfacing over the years. That ongoing hostility has now carried into their roles as opposing coaches on a Russian reality TV show.
The new reality series ALF Reality in Russia places Jones and Cormier as opposing coaches in a format similar to The Ultimate Fighter, where rising MMA fighters live, train, and compete under their guidance. The show features training sessions, elimination bouts, and team challenges designed to test fighters and coaching strategy. Filmed in Thailand, the setup keeps the longtime rivals in close proximity.
The dynamic between Jones and Cormier on the show is more controlled than during their UFC rivalry, with occasional respect during coaching duties. Their exchanges now come in short bursts of tension rather than sustained hostility. Jones still teases Cormier, and DC responds firmly when provoked. This escalated into them calling each other childish, leading Jones to challenge Cormier to a one-minute scrap on set.
Jon Jones challenged DC to settle things in a one-minute fight while filming the reality show 😳👀
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 17, 2026
🗣️DC: "Jones is still a child"
🗣️Jon: "DC cries like a child"
🗣️Jon: "Everyone in this room knows who the man is"
🗣️DC: "It's up for debate"
🗣️Jon: "This debate ended years… pic.twitter.com/7NSNuCia84
Recently, Cormier was asked whether his relationship with Jon Jones had improved during the show, but he said the rivalry remains intact. Cormier noted that Jones still trash talks him even now, keeping their competitive edge alive. Jones has also questioned DC’s professionalism and treatment of staff. He praised his prospect Gable Steveson, set for his debut at International Fight Week, as a better future champion than DC.
‘Bones’ has previously floated the idea of extending his dominance over Cormier with a potential third meeting on the wrestling mat. The suggestion added to their long-running competitive history despite both being retired from UFC title contention. However, when asked by a fan wearing Meta glasses, Jones dismissed it, saying he was retired due to arthritis, making a return to competition impossible.
While Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier continue to take lighthearted shots at each other on the show, mutual respect remains a constant. That balance was shown when DC considered leaving after a violent incident during filming, but Jon Jones convinced him to stay. Jones said the show could not continue without Cormier. Overall, their dynamic reflects a mix of rivalry and respect that still shapes their interactions.
Jon Jones praises UFC superstar while detailing issues regarding failed return
Jon Jones is widely regarded as one of the most dominant stars in UFC history, with a legacy built on championship success and elite victories. However, Alex Pereira is quickly emerging as a major threat to that status. Pereira is set to face Ciryl Gane for the interim heavyweight title at UFC Freedom Fights 250. However, a potential fight with Jones has long been labeled one of the biggest matchup in history.

Major rumors circulated that Jon Jones could face Alex Pereira at the UFC White House event, fueling speculation about a heavyweight showdown. However, the fight did not materialize, as UFC CEO Dana White made it clear there were no plans to include Jones on the card. The UFC legend has since been vocal about UFC compensation playing a major role, while still praising ‘Poatan’ in recent comments.
I feel like I wanted to be compensated in a way that I wasn’t, and we just had a disagreement. I’m a big fan of Alex Pereira, he’s just a classy fighter, potential opponent, person.
Jon Jones via UFC Brasil
Jon Jones says a disagreement over compensation led to issues with the UFC, calls Alex Pereira a potential opponent 👀🔥
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) April 12, 2026
"I feel like I wanted to be compensated in a way that I wasn’t, and we just had a disagreement. I’m a big fan of Alex Pereira, he’s just a classy fighter,… pic.twitter.com/C1wq515Frk
The fractured relationship between Dana White and Jon Jones became more visible when the UFC CEO confirmed Jones’ retirement due to arthritis and health concerns. Jones responded sharply, asking to be released from his contract and accusing White of spreading false claims about his status. This marks a clear shift from their earlier relationship, where the two shared strong mutual respect for years.
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