TLDR
- Jon Jones says Daniel Cormier admitted their rivalry continues because it’s been too lucrative to end
- Cormier told Jones he can never be his friend on camera, even though he doesn’t actually hate him
- The two fought twice at light heavyweight, with Jones winning both fights (one later changed to no contest)
- Jones believes he would have easily beaten Alex Pereira due to superior wrestling and size advantages
- Both Jones and Cormier are retired, with Cormier now working as a UFC commentator
Sources: middleeasy.com | yardbarker.com | yardbarker.com
Jon Jones says Daniel Cormier admitted their ongoing rivalry is purely about money during a private conversation while filming ALF Global. Jones revealed that Cormier told him face-to-face that being enemies has been too profitable to stop, even though there’s no real hatred between them.
The two fighters served as opposing coaches on the show, which gave them extended time together away from the typical UFC media circus. According to Jones, Cormier was honest about the business side of their relationship.
“He said, ‘Jon, being your enemy has made me too much money over the years. So, even though I have no problem with you, when the cameras turn on, I can never be your friend in front of you,'” Jones recalled.
Jones said he respects Cormier for being upfront about the situation. “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 explained.
🚨Jon Jones reveals Daniel Cormier admitted he doesn’t actually hate him, and only keeps their rivalry alive for business
“He said: ‘Jon, being your enemy has made me too much money over the years.#Jonjones #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/1BLGq0C1ID
— VICK D VILLAIN!!! (@Verere_V) July 28, 2026
The History Between Jones And Cormier
The two fighters met twice inside the octagon at light heavyweight. Jones won their first fight by decision in 2015, establishing his dominance over Cormier.
Their 2017 rematch ended with Jones stopping Cormier with a head kick, but a failed drug test changed the result to a no contest. Their rivalry included a press conference brawl and years of public trash talk that helped fuel some of the UFC’s biggest pay-per-view events.
Jones attempted to ease tensions during the show by asking Cormier if it felt good to sit together without conflict. Cormier agreed but quickly explained the financial reality.
Jones also believes Cormier’s competitive nature and bitterness over never beating him plays a role in their relationship. Both fighters have retired from active competition, though Jones has hinted at a possible return under the right conditions.
Jones Addresses Alex Pereira Fight
Jones also spoke about a potential fight with Alex Pereira that never happened. The retired heavyweight champion said his wrestling and size would have been too much for Pereira.
“I’ve watched Pereira train,” Jones said. “I see his level of wrestling, and it’s way behind. I feel as if my physical strength would’ve been too much for him.”
Jones compared Pereira to other heavyweights he’s faced or studied. He said Stipe Miocic and Ciryl Gane are “big, big boys” while Pereira is “a lean guy” who weighs around 250 pounds.
Jones pushed for the Pereira matchup after stopping Miocic in 2024. He showed more interest in fighting the Brazilian than interim champion Tom Aspinall, but the fight never came together.
Jones retired following the Miocic victory. Pereira’s move to heavyweight ended when he lost to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250.
The two fighters had a brief public disagreement after UFC Freedom 250. Jones posted about his GOAT status following Dana White’s comment that Pereira could have surpassed him with a win over Gane.
Jones later said his post was directed at critics, not at Pereira personally. He maintained that he believes his ground game would have ended a Pereira fight quickly.
Cormier now works as a UFC commentator while Jones has been coaching Olympic wrestling champion Gable Steveson. Jones said he would shake Cormier’s hand if given the opportunity.
