The MMA world nearly witnessed one of the sport’s most bitter rivalries reignite—not in the Octagon, but on reality TV. Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier, whose heated feud defined the UFC’s light heavyweight division for years, were approached to coach opposing teams on ALF Reality, a Thailand-based show likened to The Ultimate Fighter. However, Cormier recently revealed he turned down the opportunity, shutting the door on a dramatic chapter of UFC history. The decision, he admits, was rooted in more than just lingering animosity.
Inside Daniel Cormier’s decision to avoid Jon Jones showdown
Jones and Cormier’s animosity reached volcanic levels during their UFC primes. The pair clashed twice in title fights: first at UFC 182, where Jones retained his belt via decision, and again at UFC 214, where Jones initially scored a knockout win—only for the result to be overturned to a no-contest after he tested positive for the steroid Turinabol. Their rivalry, fueled by trash talk, press conference brawls, and mutual disdain, became a cornerstone of MMA lore.
“He was my biggest motivator,” Jones once admitted about Cormier.
Cormier, now retired and a UFC Hall of Famer, disclosed on his YouTube channel that producers pitched him to coach opposite Jon Jones on ALF Reality.
“I was offered to coach against [Jones] prior, but I didn’t accept it,” he said.
While he didn’t elaborate on specifics, his history with Jones—and the unresolved bitterness from their past—likely played a role. Instead, the show pivoted to Nate Diaz, who joined Jones as a coach.
Cormier’s reluctance contrasts with his prior reality TV stints. He coached The Ultimate Fighter twice: first against Stipe Miocic in 2018 and later alongside Chael Sonnen for an upcoming season. But sharing a screen with Jones, even in a scripted setting, seemed a bridge too far.
Legacy over drama
For Cormier, the decision underscores a desire to leave the past behind. Since retiring in 2020, he’s focused on commentary, analysis, and mentoring fighters—roles that distance him from the toxicity of his Jon Jones feud. ALF Reality’s format, which pits coaches against each other while training aspiring fighters, might have forced Cormier to resurrect a persona he’s worked to move past.
Jones’ unfinished business
Jones, still active as UFC heavyweight champion, has rarely shied from the spotlight. His participation in ALF Reality with Diaz suggests he’s open to revisiting old narratives—even as Cormier opts out. The snub, however, leaves fans wondering: Could this be the final nail in the coffin of one of MMA’s greatest rivalries?
Cormier’s choice isn’t just about avoiding Jon Jones—it’s about control. By declining the offer, he reclaims agency over a rivalry that once defined him, choosing legacy over spectacle. For Jones, the show goes on, but without his fiercest foil, the stakes feel lesser. In the end, some chapters are best left closed.