Is Jon Jones Still Haunted By Daniel Cormier? Analysis Of An Unfinished Rivalry

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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The Fiery History: A Timeline of Jones vs. Cormier

The Jones vs. Cormier rivalry wasn't just about championship belts; it was a clash of personalities, fueled by mutual disrespect and culminating in three unforgettable fights.

• UFC 182 (January 3, 2015): Jones dominated Cormier in their first encounter, showcasing his superior reach and striking prowess. This victory established Jones's dominance, but it also ignited the fuse on a rivalry that would define both their careers. The post-fight press conference was a stark preview of the intense animosity to come.

• UFC 214 (July 29, 2017): Jones delivered another stunning performance, knocking out Cormier in the third round. However, this victory was short-lived. A positive drug test for turinabol resulted in the win being overturned to a no contest, casting a long shadow over Jones's accomplishments and further fueling the fire of their feud. This moment is a key point in understanding the complexities of the rivalry and its lasting impact.

• UFC 217 (November 4, 2017): In their final encounter, Cormier finally secured victory, defeating Jones for the light heavyweight title. This emotional win was a testament to Cormier's resilience and cemented his place as a champion. The fight itself was a back-and-forth battle, ending with Cormier showcasing incredible heart and determination.

Key Moments and Controversies:

• Jones's near-flawless performance and dominant grappling in their first fight.
• The devastating knockout blow that marked Jones's second victory over Cormier, ultimately overturned.
• The emotional weight and significance of Cormier's hard-fought victory at UFC 217.
• The continuous verbal sparring and intense personal attacks that extended beyond the cage, both before and after the fights. Their rivalry extended to social media, fueling constant public debate.

Beyond the Octagon: The Personal Animosity and Its Roots

The animosity between Jones and Cormier ran deeper than just a professional rivalry. Their dislike stemmed from a combination of factors, including personality clashes, perceived disrespect, and contrasting fighting styles.

• Underlying Reasons: Beyond the competitive aspect, their dislike may have stemmed from contrasting personalities and competitive spirits. Jones’s often controversial behavior outside the Octagon clashed sharply with Cormier’s more measured and respectful demeanor.

• Public Interactions: Their press conferences were legendary for their intensity, often devolving into shouting matches and personal insults. Their social media interactions further fueled the flames of this intense dislike, keeping the rivalry alive even outside of the scheduled fight announcements.

• Psychological Impact: The intense rivalry undeniably affected both fighters. The pressure to win, the constant barrage of insults, and the weight of expectations likely took a toll on their mental well-being. The constant tension surely influenced their training camps and fight preparations.

Specific Examples of Animosity:

• Frequent pre-fight trash talk escalating into personal attacks.
• Post-fight confrontations and heated exchanges both inside and outside the Octagon.
• Highly publicized comments and social media posts aimed at undermining each other.
• The noticeable impact on their training camps and psychological preparedness for their battles.

The Lasting Legacy: How the Rivalry Shaped Their Careers

The Jones vs. Cormier rivalry had a profound and lasting impact on both fighters' careers and the UFC light heavyweight division as a whole.

• Impact on Jones: Jones's career has been undeniably marked by controversy, with his drug test failures overshadowing his undeniable talent and dominance inside the Octagon. The Cormier rivalry, and the intense pressure associated with it, possibly exacerbated these issues.

• Impact on Cormier: Cormier's career, on the other hand, was strengthened by the rivalry. His hard-fought victories over Jones solidified his legacy as a champion and a resilient fighter, showcasing his impressive determination and competitive spirit.

• Impact on the UFC: The intense rivalry generated significant buzz and media attention, benefiting the UFC in terms of increased viewership and overall promotion. The fights themselves were highly anticipated events, generating tremendous hype and drawing massive audiences.

Long-Term Consequences:

• Jones’s ongoing struggles with USADA and the resulting suspensions.
• Cormier's respected status as a champion and a highly skilled fighter.
• The significant impact on the UFC's promotional strategies, leveraging the rivalry for marketing.
• The lasting impact on fans' perceptions of both fighters, shaping their individual legacies.

The Unfinished Business Question: Could a Fourth Fight Have Happened?

The possibility of a fourth fight between Jones and Cormier has been a topic of much speculation. While a fourth fight never materialized, several factors contributed to its absence. Jones's repeated run-ins with USADA, along with Cormier's eventual retirement, effectively ended any chance of a rematch. The speculation on the potential outcome remains a source of ongoing debate among MMA fans. The potential fourth fight could have dramatically altered the narrative surrounding both fighters, further solidifying their legendary status or potentially shifting the balance of their legacy.

Conclusion

The Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier rivalry remains one of the most captivating and controversial in MMA history. While their physical battles concluded, the psychological impact lingers. The question of whether Jon Jones is still haunted by Daniel Cormier is a complex one, with the answer likely residing in the personal reflections of the fighters themselves. However, the enduring legacy of their feud highlights the intensity and lasting power of true rivalries in the world of mixed martial arts. To delve deeper into this iconic rivalry and uncover more insights, continue exploring the rich history of the Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier saga.