The UFC’s heavier weight classes have gained significant recognition today, largely due to the reigning heavyweight kingpin, Jon Jones, and LHW champ Alex Pereira. However, during the rise of ‘Bones’, there was a formidable figure who also cast a long shadow in the division—none other than the former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier.

A powerhouse who defied expectations, ‘DC’s strength came not from his physique, but from his incredible wrestling pedigree. The former Olympian’s journey began at the collegiate level, where he quickly rose to prominence as a multi-time wrestling medalist. He also represented the United States in international competitions, including the Olympics.

Kidney failure, caused by excessive weight cutting, unfortunately, dashed his dream of Olympic gold. Despite this setback, Daniel Cormier found his calling in MMA. He began his career as a heavyweight in Strikeforce, which later merged with the UFC, and quickly became a dominant force in the light heavyweight division before stepping up to the heaviest class. However, his biggest setbacks were his two losses to Jon Jones. The rivalry between them was one of the fiercest in UFC history, eclipsing other narratives until the McGregor-Nurmagomedov rivalry came along.

Even years after their fierce rivalry, Daniel Cormier still carries the weight of his losses to the Albuquerque native. In a recent Instagram video shared by an MMA page, ‘DC’ reflected on why Jon Jones was able to take him down in their battles. He opened up, saying, “I would have beaten Jon Jones 100% because I came in as the Olympian—the guy who could out-wrestle anyone. I truly believed I could defeat him, without a doubt.”

The Louisiana native then explained the key reason he struggled against  Jon Jones, highlighting the difference between traditional wrestling and the unique demands of MMA. “In MMA, wrestling isn’t just about executing double legs, single legs, high crotches, and snap-downs. It’s about mastering clinch wrestling, controlling positioning, working along the Octagon’s edge, and defending takedowns against the cage. I got taken down by Rumble, Jones, and Gustafsson. I don’t know if they could have done it on a wrestling mat with shoes on, facing off in a wrestling stance. But inside the Octagon, it’s a completely different game.”

Indeed, wrestling in MMA is a completely different game for pure wrestlers. Just take Islam Makhchev vs. Dustin Poirier for example. You could argue that Makhchev would have easily bested Poirier in a pure wrestling match. But in their fight at UFC 302, Poirier was able to stave off many wrestling attempts by the Dagestani champ. Given the aspects of striking, and the presence of boundaries like the cage, where the exchanges don’t stop on the fringes of the Octagon—wrestling in MMA is a different beast compared to pure wrestling.

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier faced off twice in their careers, both battles determining supremacy in the 205-pound division. The first encounter occurred at UFC 182, followed by a rematch at UFC 214, where ‘Bones’ triumphed over the former Olympian in both contests. However, after their second fight, the commission overturned the result when Jones tested positive for a banned substance. Consequently, the commission ruled the fight a no contest and reinstated the title to ‘DC’. But what about their rivalry? Do they still harbor animosity toward each other? Let’s dive deeper into their ongoing feud.

Are Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier on good terms now?

Once regarded as one of the fiercest rivalries in MMA, the animosity between Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones was fueled by personal remarks and allegations. Yet, with the passage of time, the saying “life humbles you as you age” seems to resonate with both men. It all began when the Albuquerque native, at UFC 309’s press conference last year, expressed a desire to “bury the hatchet with DC,” hoping to share a smile and shake hands.

However, he couldn’t bring himself to do so due to his past actions. On ‘DC’s part, he’s acknowledged that “it’s okay to just be okay” with where they are now, closing the conversation by saying, “We aren’t great, and I don’t think we ever have to be.” Though they no longer maintain an adversarial relationship or friendship, both Jones and Daniel Cormier have offered support during each other’s most difficult moments. When Jon Jones lost his mother in 2017, ‘DC’ extended his condolences. Similarly, when Cormier’s father passed away in 2019, the Albuquerque native showed his respect and paid tribute to Cormier’s family.

Now, as ‘Bones’ approaches the twilight of his career, imagine if he and The Louisiana native had squared off on the wrestling mats. Do you believe Jones could have bested the former Olympian? Share your thoughts below.

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