The legendary and bitter rivalry between Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones has taken a new turn, with a potential wrestling-only match now being discussed. Adding significant fuel to this fire is the opinion of current UFC lightweight king, Islam Makhachev, who has clearly picked his side in this hypothetical contest.
Makhachev's Clear Verdict: Cormier's World in Wrestling
In a recent interview with MMA Arena, Islam Makhachev was asked about the possibility of a wrestling match between the two MMA icons. The Dagestani champion did not mince his words. He stated that a wrestling mat is the only place where Daniel Cormier could handle Jon Jones.
"Jon Jones is good at wrestling, but wrestling is Daniel Cormier’s world," Makhachev explained. He emphasized Cormier's elite credentials, noting, "He is an Olympic-level athlete. That is very high level." This endorsement highlights the respect for Cormier's foundational grappling skills, which were the bedrock of his storied career.
The History and The New Chapter
The bad blood between Cormier and Jones is etched in UFC history. Their first clash occurred at UFC 182 in Las Vegas in January 2015, where Jones secured a unanimous decision victory. The rematch at UFC 214 in Anaheim in July 2017 saw Jones win by knockout, though the result was later overturned to a No Contest following a failed drug test by Jones.
Years later, the rivalry is being rekindled in a different arena. Both legends are now serving as opposing coaches on the ALF MMA reality series, a platform that has previously featured stars like Khamzat Chimaev and Nate Diaz. This proximity has sparked fresh conversations, shifting the focus from mixed martial arts to pure wrestling.
Cormier's Call-Out and Jones's Comeback Plans
Daniel Cormier has openly expressed his desire to settle the score on the mats. Speaking to former UFC fighter Ben Askren, Cormier revealed his intentions. "I’m telling you, Real American Freestyle is going to see me and Jon Jones at some point," he declared, referencing the elite wrestling and grappling league. He added, "I still shoot. I still train wrestlers every single day," asserting his continued readiness.
On the other side, Jon Jones has been in the headlines for his planned return to the UFC. The former light heavyweight and current heavyweight champion has spoken about featuring on a potential UFC White House card in June, tied to America250 celebrations, and confirmed his exit from retirement last year.
While nothing is official, the combination of coaching on the same show, persistent public chatter, and both athletes remaining active makes the prospect of a Cormier vs. Jones wrestling showdown feel increasingly tangible. With a champion like Islam Makhachev weighing in, the combat sports world is once again captivated by one of its greatest feuds.
