After three years, Jon Jones returns to the octagon to face Ciryl Gane at UFC 285. In a recent interview, he expressed a positive outlook on the future for his former adversary Daniel Cormier.
Jones Offers Respect After Intense Rivalry
Although initially booked to fight at UFC 178, Jones and Cormier first collided in 2015 at UFC 182, where Jones picked up a decision win over the top contender ‘DC’ for the light heavyweight title.
This only sparked more intensity into the already heated rivalry heading into July 2017 at UFC 214, which finished in a viscous knockout victory for ‘Bones’, ending their feud within the octagon.
Since their bout back in 2017, Daniel Cormier took up a position on the commentary team after securing UFC gold from both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions and was then inducted into the UFC Hall Of Fame in 2022.
Whereas Jones, following a 15 month suspension, would go on to clinch a razor-close decision over fellow light heavyweight Dominick Reyes back in 2020 and then reveal his intentions to bulk up to heavyweight.
Now that Francis Ngannou has departed from the UFC, heavyweight glory is on the line for Jones when he faces off against Gane in March, and with Daniel Cormier in the commentary booth on fight night ‘Bones’ had a surprising response when asked about his former rival.
Jon Jones on Daniel Cormier
He told Sports Illustrated:
“I’m not competing against Daniel Cormier. I’ve already beat him twice. I’m really happy for Daniel Cormier. I love what he’s done in his life with his wrestling and broadcasting. I think it’s awesome when a fighter can retire and use his voice and intelligence to do something that he loves, so I’ve got nothing but respect for Daniel Cormier.“
Daniel Cormier has been tipped to commentate on Jones’ upcoming clash against the French kickboxer Ciryl Gane, and he should have an easier night behind the mic, going off Jones’ recent comments. Still, one can only speculate how ‘Bones’ and ‘DC’ being reunited will actually go down.
Perhaps both fighters can reconcile now that their paths are heading in different directions?
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
