Jon Jones And Daniel Cormier: An Unresolved Rivalry?

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 30, 2025

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A History of Heated Confrontations

The Jon Jones vs. Cormier fights are legendary, not just for their technical brilliance but also for the sheer intensity of the pre-fight build-up and the controversies that surrounded them. Their three encounters represent some of the most memorable moments in UFC history, each carrying its own unique weight and significance.

• UFC 187 (May 23, 2015): Cormier won via unanimous decision after Jones failed to make weight, resulting in the loss of his light heavyweight title and adding fuel to the already simmering rivalry. This fight highlighted the early stages of their intense personal dislike, setting the stage for future clashes.

• UFC 200 (July 9, 2016): Jones was initially slated to rematch Cormier for the light heavyweight title, but a USADA violation prevented him from competing. This resulted in a highly anticipated fight falling through, further escalating tensions between the two fighters and leaving fans wanting more.

• UFC 214 (July 29, 2017): Jones finally reclaimed the light heavyweight title with a third-round knockout victory over Cormier. However, a subsequent USADA violation overturned the result, leaving the rivalry's conclusion ambiguous and incredibly frustrating for fans. This fight, despite its eventual nullification, remains a pivotal moment in the saga, showcasing Jones's undeniable talent and Cormier's unwavering resilience.

The significant weight class difference between their bouts also contributed to the narrative. Their first two fights were at light heavyweight, while their third and final fight took place at the heavyweight division. This adds another layer of complexity to evaluating the rivalry, influencing the outcome and adding to the debate surrounding a definitive winner. The intense press conferences and public altercations leading up to each fight were legendary, fueled by aggressive trash talk and personal attacks that intensified the rivalry beyond the octagon. Jones's repeated controversies outside the octagon, including DUI arrests and substance abuse issues, undeniably cast a shadow over the rivalry and contributed to the complex legacy of their clashes.

Beyond the Octagon: A Personal Feud

The animosity between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier extended far beyond the competitive sphere. Their dislike was palpable, evident in their public interactions and fueled by a deep-seated mutual disrespect.

• Media Appearances: Their appearances on various media platforms were consistently punctuated by intense verbal sparring, with both fighters rarely missing an opportunity to take shots at each other.

• Social Media Feud: Their social media interactions often descended into personal attacks and insults, further fueling the flames of their rivalry and keeping it constantly in the public eye.

• Public Clashes: Beyond media appearances and social media, there were numerous reports of public clashes between their camps and entourages, highlighting the depth of the personal animosity that underpinned their professional rivalry.

The psychological impact of this protracted feud on both fighters is undeniable. The constant pressure, the relentless media scrutiny, and the intense personal animosity likely took a toll, shaping their careers and personalities in significant ways.

The Legacy and Unresolved Questions

The Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier rivalry has left an indelible mark on the UFC and the MMA landscape. Its impact extends beyond the individual fights, shaping the narratives surrounding both fighters and contributing to ongoing debates within the sport.

• GOAT Debate: The rivalry inevitably feeds into the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) debate within the UFC. Both fighters have strong claims to the title, and their rivalry highlights the complexities of such a subjective comparison.

• Unfinished Business: The controversies surrounding their fights and the lack of a definitive conclusion leaves a sense of unfinished business, continuing to fuel discussion and debate among fans.

• Future Potential Rematch: Even years after their last encounter, fans continue to speculate about a hypothetical fourth fight, debating its potential outcome and how it might have ultimately resolved the rivalry. The "what if" scenarios continue to dominate conversations.

• Lingering Resentment: The possibility of lingering resentment between the two fighters contributes to the feeling that the rivalry remains unresolved. The lack of a clear, conclusive end point to their intense feud is a significant aspect of its lasting legacy.

The Specter of "What Ifs"

The legacy of the Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier rivalry is haunted by "what ifs."

• Alternate Outcomes: How would the narrative have changed had Jones avoided his repeated controversies? Would a clean sweep of victories have cemented his status as the clear victor?

• Hypothetical Rematch: A hypothetical rematch under different circumstances – perhaps with a cleaner build-up and a completely focused Jones – would offer a dramatically different outcome and a potentially decisive end to their feud. These possibilities remain intensely interesting.

• Jones's Legacy: Jones's repeated transgressions outside of the octagon heavily impacted his legacy and the perception of his achievements, inextricably intertwining them with the controversies that surrounded him.

• Cormier's Legacy: Cormier's legacy is equally influenced by the rivalry, highlighting his resilience, skill, and unwavering determination in the face of a formidable and controversial opponent.

Conclusion:

The Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier rivalry remains one of the most captivating and complex in UFC history. Their three encounters, punctuated by intense personal animosity and significant controversies, failed to definitively settle the score, leaving a legacy of unresolved questions and enduring debate. The intensity of their feud, both inside and outside the cage, cemented their places in MMA history, prompting speculation and "what if" scenarios years later. The unresolved nature of their rivalry continues to be a talking point among fans and experts alike.

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on the Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier rivalry? Do you believe their conflict was ever truly resolved? Share your opinions and discuss the lasting impact of this legendary UFC rivalry in the comments below!