Daniel Cormier says his relationship with Jon Jones is at its best, years after their hate-filled UFC rivalry

Daniel Cormier says his hatred for Jon Jones has eased, and that their relationship is “the best it has ever been,” after spending time around Jones away from the public spotlight. In remarks reported June 8, Cormier described the connection as far more manageable than it was during their championship run together. “After spending that time with Jones over there in Thailand, honestly, he annoys me still,” Cormier said, “But, he’s not as bad as I originally thought.” He added that even with the long history between them, he no longer carries the same level of dislike.

The shift is striking given how personal their rivalry became when it was still actively unfolding inside the UFC. They met twice for major titles, and both fights were wrapped in a war of wills that extended beyond technique. Their first encounter came at UFC 182, where Jones defended his light heavyweight title against Cormier and handed the previously undefeated Cormier his first professional defeat.

Their second meeting, UFC 214, became even more complicated. Jones won the rematch by third-round TKO, but the result did not ultimately stand in official recordkeeping. The California State Athletic Commission overturned the bout to a no-contest after a failed drug test involving Turinabol in-competition, according to reporting at the time. UFC later issued a statement explaining the ruling change after an anti-doping policy issue stemming from an in-competition sample collected after weigh-ins.

Cormier’s comments suggest that time, and at least some repeated contact, has reduced the emotional intensity that once fueled their arguments. He pointed to a period in which he and Jones shared time together in Thailand, describing Jones as still irritating but less threatening to his peace than Cormier had expected. Cormier also referenced watching Jones make criticisms on video, including allegations about how Cormier treated people around him, and said those claims were not accurate.

As the bad blood cools, a different kind of challenge has also entered the conversation: a possible wrestling match. Reports tied to Cormier’s recent comments say talks have surfaced around a crossover exhibition, with Cormier describing an approach that would pay “seven figures.” Sherdog reported that Cormier confirmed they were approached and that, in his view, Jones would not agree because both sides know Cormier expects to dominate him in a wrestling setting, including a prediction of a “10-0” outcome.

From a sport perspective, the moment matters because rivalries like Jones versus Cormier were never just about belts. They also became about identity, pride, and narrative control, especially after the UFC 214 no-contest outcome reset parts of the public record. If the two men continue moving toward a more neutral relationship, it can influence how fans, promoters, and broadcast partners frame their legacy, from “enemies in the cage” to “legendary competitors in transition.”

What to watch next is whether the wrestling idea progresses beyond talk and whether Jones responds to Cormier’s framing. For now, the clearest takeaway is that Cormier is indicating personal growth and a lower emotional temperature toward Jones, even if he still admits Jones can get under his skin. That kind of adjustment is often rare in combat sports rivalries, which tend to stay sharp long after the final bell.