Jon Jones' former adversary recently reflected on the heated rivalry that defined his interactions with the current heavyweight champion, sharing that their confrontations weren’t limited to the octagon. The two fighters would clash wherever they crossed paths, from bars to clubs. Jones, widely regarded as one of the most dominant figures in UFC history, has held the prestigious distinction of being one of the few fighters to capture world titles in two different weight classes.
Over his illustrious career, Bones has encountered countless opponents, some of whom have earned his respect, while many others have found themselves on the opposite end of his intense competitive spirit. One such opponent recently opened up about how their rivalry escalated beyond the fighting arena.
UFC icon's perspective on his relationship with Jon Jones
Daniel Cormier, who shares a bitter history with Jon Jones, recently provided a candid account of their past conflict. Reflecting on their intense rivalry, Cormier revealed that their animosity often spilled into public spaces.
"Before we would just fight everywhere, whether we were in a bar or a club. No matter where we were, we would try to fight each other, and I’ll be honest: That was fun," Cormier shared on the "Good Guy/Bad Guy" podcast with Chael Sonnen.
Though Cormier and Jones are now on amicable terms, he admitted that their relationship has undergone significant changes. While the animosity has cooled, it was once so fierce that it permeated every interaction, even outside the confines of their professional fights.
Despite their more cordial relationship today, Cormier expressed that some rivalries should never be fully resolved. He mentioned the iconic rivalry between Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield, highlighting that some issues, like Holyfield's ear being bitten off, may never be fully forgiven. For Cormier, the unresolved tension adds a unique dimension to a rivalry, making it feel more genuine and intense. "Sometimes rivalries need to live," Cormier emphasized.
He also noted that the rivalry between Israel Adesanya and Robert Whittaker didn’t carry the same personal weight as his feud with Jones, which was rooted in a shared desire to be the best in the UFC.
While time has softened their animosity, Cormier's comments shed light on the depth of his rivalry with Jon Jones, revealing that it was much more than a professional dispute—it was a personal battle that transcended the sport.