The intense rivalry between UFC legends Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier shows no signs of cooling, even eight years after their last octagon encounter. Their long-standing feud persists, highlighted by recent exchanges. Following Jones` sudden retirement announcement, Cormier publicly criticized him, calling him a `quitter` for not facing Tom Aspinall.
Despite prolonged negotiations between Jones and the UFC for a bout with Aspinall, Jones chose retirement, leading to Aspinall`s elevation to undisputed UFC heavyweight champion. However, Jones has since reversed his retirement decision, aiming for a 2026 return. Meanwhile, the animosity between him and his two-time UFC title opponent, Cormier, remains high.
The Feud Rekindles: Jones Responds to Cormier`s UFC 318 Comments
During the UFC 318 weigh-in show, Cormier was asked where he would face an `enemy` if given the chance. His response was chilling: “I kind of want the ability to kill him, so I’d like to do it at my house. They couldn’t really do anything.”
When pressed by co-hosts Paul Felder and Dan Hellie about the identity of this `enemy,` and after an indirect reference to Jones, Cormier attempted to clarify, stating, “I don’t dislike Jon Jones, I think he’s fine.”
Despite this attempted retraction, Jones quickly took notice, retaliating against his long-time rival in an Instagram comment. Jones sarcastically retorted, “Could you imagine getting your a** kicked for the third time in front of the wife and kids?”
Not content with just one platform, Jones continued his verbal assault on the UFC Hall of Famer across social media. In subsequent tweets, Jones escalated his attack:
“DC said he wants to kill me at his house. I already buried him twice in the Octagon. Third time I’m bringing a shovel,” Jones tweeted.
“A blind man can see the mansion I own in Daniel’s head. I just didn’t realize how deep his hate still runs. Those a** whoopings must’ve left more than bruises, I feel like I’m the most painful thing that ever happened to that man’s life. Emotional damage.”
As of now, Cormier has not publicly responded to Jones`s latest social media provocations, which emerged just as UFC 318 was commencing in New Orleans, where Cormier was working as a lead analyst and post-fight interviewer.
Jones emerged victorious in both their UFC encounters: a decision win at UFC 182 and a knockout at UFC 214. However, the latter victory was later overturned to a `no contest` due to Jones testing positive for a banned substance.
Cormier officially retired from active competition after his heavyweight trilogy loss to Stipe Miocic at UFC 252 and was inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame in 2022.
Jon Jones` Targeted Comeback: A White House Event and Potential Opponents
While his rivalry with Cormier continues to simmer, Jones has returned to training and re-entered the UFC`s drug testing pool, aiming for an Octagon comeback next year. He has expressed interest in competing at the UFC`s anticipated event at The White House in July 2026, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence.
Jones intends to challenge the reigning UFC heavyweight champion upon his return, whether it be Aspinall or another top contender. Alex Pereira is also a potential opponent, should he move to heavyweight and capture another title.
There`s speculation Jones could co-headline an event with Conor McGregor, who is also eyeing his own return after a five-year hiatus. McGregor recently stirred discussion by claiming he re-entered the UFC`s drug testing pool, over a year after his scheduled UFC 303 comeback fight was canceled.
