Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier, former UFC rivals, will serve as coaches on an MMA reality series, which Jones hopes will mend their difficult relationship and potentially lead to friendship.
Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier have been fierce rivals, both inside and outside the octagon. Now, “Bones” sees their new roles as reality show coaches as a chance for change.
These former two-division UFC champions will coach for the ALF MMA reality series. Jones thinks that spending time with Cormier, despite their rocky history, could actually lead to friendship.
“I think it would be great to have Daniel Cormier part of this show,” Jones said [h/t MMA Uncensored]. He admits their history is rough. They’ve faced off twice, with Jones coming out on top both times.
But Jones is optimistic. “I have no problems with him,” he says. He believes filming together in Thailand could mend their relationship.
Their rivalry began in January 2015 when Jones first fought Cormier, winning by decision. After a hit-and-run incident, Jones was stripped of his title, and Cormier claimed the vacant belt.
The two were set for a rematch at UFC 197, but Cormier withdrew. Jones won the interim belt by defeating Ovince Saint Preux.
A failed drug test kept Jones from UFC 200, but he returned in July 2017 to knock out Cormier. However, that win was overturned due to the infamous picogram situation.
Cormier was reinstated as champion, defended his title, then moved to heavyweight, defeating Stipe Miocic and Derrick Lewis before retiring after losses to Miocic. Meanwhile, Jones reclaimed the light heavyweight title, defended it three times, and then moved up to win a second belt.