TLDR
- Daniel Cormier expresses frustration about always being compared to Jon Jones despite his accomplished career
- The UFC legend believes his legacy is overshadowed by his rivalry with Jones
- Cormier credits a childhood bully for pushing him toward wrestling and ultimately MMA
- The two-division champion wants recognition for his own achievements independent of Jones
- Cormier’s career includes UFC championships at light heavyweight and heavyweight
Sources: EssentiallySports | FirstSportz
Former UFC two-division champion Daniel Cormier has opened up about his ongoing frustration with constantly being compared to his longtime rival Jon Jones. Despite retiring from professional MMA competition, Cormier continues to face questions about his relationship with Jones.
Cormier built one of the most successful careers in UFC history, holding titles in both the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. However, he says his accomplishments are often viewed through the lens of his rivalry with Jones rather than standing on their own merit.
The 45-year-old fighter has spoken candidly about how this constant association affects him. Cormier feels that his legacy deserves to be evaluated independently of his battles with Jones, who defeated him twice during their competitive years.
The Jones Rivalry That Won’t End
The rivalry between Cormier and Jones became one of the most heated feuds in UFC history. Their first fight took place in 2015, with Jones winning by unanimous decision.
The two met again in 2017, where Jones won by knockout in the third round. However, that result was later overturned to a no contest after Jones tested positive for a banned substance.
Despite years passing since their last encounter, fans and media continue to bring up the rivalry whenever discussing either fighter. Cormier has expressed that this perpetual connection frustrates him because it diminishes his other achievements.
The former champion defeated numerous elite fighters throughout his career, including Stipe Miocic, Anderson Silva, and Anthony Johnson. Yet these victories often take a backseat in conversations dominated by his losses to Jones.
Childhood Bully Changed His Path
In a separate revelation, Cormier recently credited a childhood bully for ultimately transforming his life for the better. The UFC legend explained how negative experiences in his youth pushed him toward wrestling.
Cormier faced bullying as a child, which motivated him to find ways to defend himself and build confidence. This led him to wrestling, where he discovered natural talent and passion for combat sports.
His wrestling career took him to Olympic competition, where he represented the United States. Cormier competed in the 2004 Olympics in Athens and the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
The skills he developed through wrestling became the foundation for his transition to mixed martial arts. Cormier made his professional MMA debut in 2009 at age 30, relatively late compared to many fighters.
Despite starting later than most, he quickly rose through the ranks to become one of the sport’s most decorated athletes. His wrestling base proved invaluable in controlling opponents and dictating the pace of fights.
Cormier retired from active competition in 2020 after losing his trilogy fight with Stipe Miocic. He now works as a commentator and analyst for the UFC, providing expert insight during broadcasts.
The former champion continues to be one of the most recognizable faces in MMA, whether calling fights or appearing on various sports media platforms. His commentary work has earned praise from fans who appreciate his technical knowledge and engaging personality.
