In a recent interview, Daniel Cormier opened up about the infamous battles he had with Jon Jones, admitting how Jones, in his prime, had the ability to dominate him both mentally and physically. Cormier, who has always been known for his relentless determination and tough fighting style, shared the painful truth about how Jon Jones “beat his a**” in their bouts, highlighting the tactics and strategy that made Jones such a difficult opponent.

Cormier began by recalling his initial frustration when the fight between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic was cancelled, a fight that he, like many fans, was really looking forward to. Cormier was genuinely upset, but he couldn’t help but think about the challenges that Jon Jones faces, especially now that Jones is competing in the heavyweight division.

One of the things that stood out for Cormier when reflecting on his time in the cage with Jones was just how physically strong and skilled Jones was, especially when it came to leverage and controlling positions. “I thought I could take Jon down at will,” Cormier admitted, “but he made me realize just how hard it is to wrestle against someone like him.” Despite Cormier’s grappling expertise, Jon’s unique ability to control positions and scramble his way back to a dominant position made it incredibly difficult to execute his strategy.

Cormier also explained how Jones’ size and range played a massive role in his success. “He’s so tall, so rangy,” Cormier said. “When you get into a clinch with him, it’s like you’re trying to hold up a giant.” Cormier emphasized how exhausting it was to deal with Jones’ constant pressure and how his body would fatigue after the constant grind in the clinch. Jones would lean on him, press him into the cage, and make it feel as if Cormier was carrying not just his own weight, but Jon’s too. It was clear that Jones knew how to use his body to tire out his opponents, and that made a huge difference in the fight.

Another key element that Cormier talked about was Jones’ ability to manage distance. Jones’ striking, particularly his kicks and knees, were a major issue for Cormier. He spoke about how much it hurt every time Jones landed one of those devastating body kicks or knee strikes. “It was like every time I got close to him, he’d blast me with a knee or a kick to the body. It hurt so bad,” Cormier shared. Even when Cormier managed to close the distance, Jones had the ability to punish him with those long-range strikes. It was a constant battle just to survive without taking damage.

As Cormier continued to reflect on their rivalry, he admitted that Jon Jones was just a special fighter. “He understands fighting,” Cormier said. “He has this ability to manipulate his body and position to tire you out and get you in the most uncomfortable situations. It’s crazy how good he is at it.”

Cormier also touched on some of the other fighters that Jon Jones has faced, comparing him to the likes of Khabib Nurmagomedov, who had a similar mentality of constant pressure and control. But when it came to Jon, it was clear that his strength, his understanding of distance, and his mental game were what set him apart from the rest.

Despite the rivalry, Cormier had nothing but respect for Jon Jones. He admitted that even though their fights didn’t go his way, Jon’s skills and tactics were undeniable. “Jon Jones just gets it. His ability to manage range, his clinch game, and his striking—he’s a fighter’s fighter. You can’t help but appreciate what he brings to the table.”

Ultimately, Cormier’s reflections were a candid acknowledgment of Jon Jones’ greatness. “Yeah, he beat my a**,” Cormier said, smiling. “But I’ll give credit where it’s due. He’s one of the best to ever do it.”

It’s clear from Cormier’s analysis that Jon Jones’ unique skill set, strategic brilliance, and mental toughness are what truly made him a legend in the sport of mixed martial arts.