Jon Jones Still Haunted by Rivalry with Daniel Cormier, Says Former UFC Fighter

The Fight That Never Truly Ended

Rivalries in sports can be intense, personal, and unforgettable. But in combat sports like the UFC, where two athletes literally fight to prove who's the better man, those rivalries often dig deeper. And few in UFC history have been as heated—or as complex—as the one between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. While both men have achieved legendary status in their own right, it seems like the rivalry between them still lingers—at least for one of them. According to former UFC middleweight contender Kenny Florian, Jon Jones hasn't entirely put the Cormier feud behind him. In fact, Florian believes Jones is still carrying the emotional weight of that rivalry. So, what's keeping one of MMA’s greatest fighters stuck in the past?

Unfinished Business or Unhealed Wounds?

During a recent episode of the DC & RC show on ESPN, co-hosts Daniel Cormier and Ryan Clark welcomed Kenny Florian, who offered some candid insights on the Jones-Cormier saga. He didn’t hold back. According to Florian, Jon Jones may have checked off championship belts and record-breaking wins, but when it comes to Cormier, there's a lingering sense of something unresolved. “He’s never gotten over that rivalry,” Florian claimed. “Even though he won, there’s still something about it that eats at him.” That’s a bold statement—especially coming from someone who's fought at the highest level. But it makes you wonder: why would the guy who won both bouts still be stuck on the past?

The Rivalry in a Nutshell

If you're new to the UFC world, let's get you up to speed on this rivalry. Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier clashed twice in the octagon—and both encounters were surrounded by serious tension, trash talk, and high stakes.

• UFC 182: Jones defeated Cormier by unanimous decision in their first meeting in 2015.
• UFC 214: Jones won again via head kick KO in 2017—but the result was later overturned to a "No Contest" due to a failed drug test.

With Jones dealing with multiple suspensions and controversies over the years, the legitimacy of their rematch became cloudy. Cormier, meanwhile, went on to become a two-division champion and beloved broadcaster. Yet, despite all the accolades and drama, it’s clear the dust hasn’t settled emotionally for either fighter.

More Than Just Wins and Losses

To most fans, it appeared that Jon Jones got the last laugh. He beat Cormier not once, but twice—at least in the octagon. But Florian suggests that the way things unfolded—especially the overturned second fight—left Jones with an itch he can’t quite scratch. "Winning isn't always about your hand being raised,” Florian remarked. “Sometimes it's about perception, legacy, and how the story gets told.” And in the case of Jones vs. Cormier, the story is tangled. Public opinion, drug test drama, and media narratives have all shaped how people remember those encounters. That might be what's gnawing at Jones—the feeling that he won, but greatness still feels disputed.

Why This Rivalry Still Matters

So, why are people still talking about this rivalry years later? Because it represents two dominant figures who were polar opposites—and fans picked sides. Cormier, the humble Olympian with a family-man persona. Jones, the gifted but controversial phenom with a chaotic history. Their feud wasn’t just business—it was deeply personal. That kind of animosity doesn’t fade easily, especially when careers and reputations are on the line. Even today, their back-and-forth exchanges continue on social media and in interviews, long after they’ve moved on to other ventures. Cormier has retired and now sits comfortably as a UFC commentator. Jones, after a long hiatus, recently made a triumphant return as the UFC heavyweight champion. Yet, the mention of Cormier still seems to push Jones’s buttons.

Legacy and the Long Shadow of the Past

For fighters like Jon Jones, legacy is everything. Titles come and go. But the stories fans tell—and the way history remembers you—those are carved in stone. Maybe that’s what Jones is grappling with. Despite being widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time, the cloud of controversy—and his rivalry with Cormier—still hovers. If it weren’t for the failed drug test, the second win over Cormier might’ve sealed the deal. Instead, it left more questions than answers.

Can Jones Ever Truly Move On?

That’s the million-dollar question. Can Jon Jones ever really put his rivalry with Daniel Cormier behind him? Or will it always be the asterisk next to his name? Florian’s comments weren’t made to stir the pot. They came from a place of observation—watching how Jones reacts, how he speaks about Cormier, and how little that fire seems to have cooled. And you know what? That’s what makes sports rivalries so fascinating. Whether it's Ali vs. Frazier, Federer vs. Nadal, or Jones vs. Cormier—these matchups live on because they’re about more than just winning. They’re about pride, pain, and personal identity.

Final Thoughts

Jon Jones may be fighting new challengers in new divisions, but parts of his past are still in the cage with him. The rivalry with Daniel Cormier wasn't just a chapter in his career—it was a defining moment. And according to voices like Kenny Florian, it's one he hasn’t quite walked away from. Maybe that’s not such a bad thing. Rivalries have a way of pushing athletes to the edge, sharpening their skills and shaping their legacies. But at some point, even the fiercest warriors have to put down the sword and make peace with the past. The real test ahead may not be his next title defense—but whether Jon Jones can finally free himself from the shadow of Daniel Cormier. What do you think? Is Jon Jones still haunted by the Cormier rivalry? Or do you see it as just part of competitive nature? Let us know in the comments below.