Daniel Cormier believes his legendary rivalry with Jon Jones is not finished – and this time, he wants the showdown to take place on the wrestling mat.
Cormier and Jones share one of the most infamous rivalries in MMA history.
For years, the two traded insults in the media and twice fought inside the UFC Octagon, with Jones winning both encounters.
Their second bout was later overturned to a no-contest after Jones tested positive for a banned substance, leaving Cormier without the closure he has long felt he deserves.
Now, Cormier is convinced that redemption may come in a very different arena.
Speaking on Monday to Ben Askren, Cormier said he expects that he and Jones will eventually meet under the banner of the new wrestling promotion, Real American Freestyle:
I’m telling you, Real American Freestyle is going to see me and Jon Jones at some point, and I’m going to kick his a** like you would never believe.
Because guess what, I still shoot. I still train wrestlers every single day.
Their rivalry stretches back well before either man became a global MMA superstar.
The first notable interaction between the two occurred at UFC 121, years before Jones won the light heavyweight title and before Cormier had even signed with the UFC.
During that encounter, Jones told Cormier that he could take him down…
And that was the comment that ignited more than a decade of personal animosity.
Sloth Jiu-Jitsu: The Ultimate Guide for Calmly Beating Bigger, Younger Opponents
💥 What if slowing down was the fastest way to win?
💭 Tired of Getting Smashed by Younger, Stronger Grapplers?
It’s not your age. It’s your strategy.
If you’re a passionate grappler over 35 who’s sick of getting outpaced, outmuscled, or out-cardio’d by opponents half your age — this 120 page e-book was made for you.
🔓 Unlock the Power of Sloth Jiu-Jitsu:
Build Sustainable Strength—Without Wrecking Your Joints, Energy, or Jiu-Jitsu
Tired of waking up sore and burnt out after lifting? Sloth Strength is a proven blueprint for grapplers over 35 who want to get stronger—without the pain, burnout, or injuries.
Developed from 25 years on the mats, this no-burnout approach is made specifically for BJJ athletes in their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
