Daniel Cormier, a two-division UFC champion and one of the most respected figures in mixed martial arts (MMA), recently opened up about his rivalry with Jon Jones, revealing how the latter’s skills led to his victory in their two encounters. Cormier, who has faced some of the toughest opponents in the sport, was candid about the challenges he faced in the cage with Jones, a fighter he has long described as one of the greatest in MMA history.

The First Fight: “Jon Jones Beat My Ass”

Reflecting on their first fight at UFC 182 in January 2015, Cormier admitted that Jones’ fight IQ and overall ability were the key factors that led to his loss. Despite his own wrestling background, Cormier struggled to control the fight, often finding himself on the receiving end of Jones’ varied strikes and relentless pressure.

“Jon Jones beat my ass in that first fight,” Cormier confessed. He explained that while he was confident in his wrestling, he wasn’t prepared for Jones’ unpredictable style, which kept him off-balance throughout the fight. Cormier was unable to implement his game plan as Jones utilized his length, timing, and striking to neutralize his wrestling. Jones’ reach and unorthodox attacks, including elbows and spinning techniques, kept Cormier at bay and made it difficult for him to close the distance and land takedowns.

The Second Fight: “He Was Just Better”

In their second encounter at UFC 214 in July 2017, Cormier was once again defeated by Jones, though the result was clouded by controversy after Jones tested positive for a banned substance. Despite this, Cormier has openly admitted that Jones was the better fighter in that bout as well, dominating much of the action before being disqualified.

“Even before the [test] result came back, Jon was just better than me,” Cormier said. He acknowledged that Jones’ ability to read his opponents and adjust his strategy mid-fight was something he struggled to counter. Even though Cormier dropped Jones in the second round, he knew that Jones’ fight IQ, adaptability, and talent were the deciding factors in the bout.

Cormier has always respected Jones’ fighting intelligence, pointing out that Jones understands every aspect of the fight game, from grappling to striking. “Jon sees things others can’t,” he said. “His ability to adjust and capitalize on even the smallest mistakes is what sets him apart.”

Lessons Learned and Respect for Jones

Despite the losses, Cormier has always been quick to praise Jones as one of the most complete fighters in MMA. “Jon is one of those guys who you can’t take anything for granted,” Cormier stated. “He makes you pay for every little mistake.” Cormier admits that, although he was a superior wrestler, Jones’ overall MMA game was too well-rounded for him to overcome. Cormier’s losses to Jones only fueled his respect for the champion’s skills.

However, Cormier also mentioned that he had learned valuable lessons from his rivalry with Jones. “I understand what I needed to work on after those fights,” he said. “Fighting Jon made me a better fighter, even if I didn’t win.”

The Rivalry: A Legacy of Respect

Although their rivalry was heated, Cormier and Jones have both come to respect each other’s talents. Cormier, who has since retired from MMA, has often spoken about how Jones’ success helped push him to be better. Their rivalry is one of the most talked-about in UFC history, and Cormier’s reflections serve as a testament to the greatness of Jon Jones as a fighter.

In the end, Cormier may have lost both fights to Jones, but he remains a proud competitor who acknowledges the special talent that Jones brought to the sport. “Jon Jones is great. That’s undeniable,” Cormier said. “But that doesn’t mean I didn’t try to give him the fight of his life.”