“Can Never Be Friends on Camera”: Jon Jones Reveals Daniel Cormier’s Private Admission About Their UFC Rivalry

The Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier rivalry is unarguably one of the most famous rivalries in the UFC’s history book. Two title fights, a brawl at a press conference, and years of verbal warfare made it seem like both‌ men genuinely couldn't stand each other. However, Jon Jones revealed one side of the equation is more calculated.

Jon Jones Claimed Cormier Admitted Rivalry was ‘Good for Business’

Jon Jones told AFL Global that the confession came during their time filming for ALF Reality 3 in Thailand earlier this year. Both UFC legends served as opposing coaches on the Russian MMA reality series. 

Per Jones, Daniel Cormier opened up to him during a moment when they were away from the cameras. “One time we were sitting down on the couch together, and I said, Isn't this nice for us to just sit here with no problems, you know, just enjoy the moment. And he goes, Yeah, this is nice,” Jones said. 

Jones emphasized that DC instantly confessed that there is no more hatred and that the on-camera rivalry has earned him more money.  ‘Bones’ said, “But he said, 'John, being your enemy has made me too much money over the years. So I say, even though I have no problem with you, when the cameras turn on, I can never be your friend in front of people.”

Furthermore, Jones claimed that Cormier wishes to continue it. “People thinking that we hate each other is very lucrative to me. And I want it to be like this,'” Jones said.

While DC made a mature confession, Jones understood and accepted his honest disclosures. “I respect him for telling me that he actually doesn't hate me. To him, there's a part of it that's business,” Jones concluded. 

Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier: A Rivalry to be Remembered

The Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier rivalry is one of the most layered rivalries in combat sports history. And it started before they entered the cage. 

When DC moved down to the light heavyweight division in 2014, he was handed a title shot against Jones as the latter’s opponent pulled out injured. Almost immediately things got heated during a presser at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas as Jones pressed his head against Cornier. 

DC shoved Jones after, and Jones shoved him back, resulting in a full-blown brawl. Subsequently, both‌ fighters were fined and ordered to complete community service by the Nevada State Athletic Commission. Jones also lost his commercial Nike deal as a result. 

In their first fight, however, Jones defeated Cormier via a unanimous decision, retaining his light heavyweight title at UFC 182 in 2015.  The second fight was inevitable, and it took place‌ at UFC 214 in 2017. Jones this time left no doubt by knocking out Cormier in the third round of the fight. 

However, the celebration was short-lived as Jones‌ tested positive for a banned substance from the samples taken before the fight. As a result, the rematch outcome was changed to no-contest.

While the rivalry is no longer active, Jones and Cormier have provided fans with several moments from their rivalry that they will remember for the rest of their lives as MMA fans.