Jon Jones’ decision to retire from the UFC has sparked controversy and left many questions unanswered following his sudden announcement. The UFC promptly crowned Tom Aspinall as the new heavyweight champion after Jones informed the promotion of his retirement, ending his reign while stirring debate around his departure. Daniel Cormier, one of Jones’ toughest rivals, openly criticized Jones’ exit, suggesting that it was an attempt to avoid facing Aspinall.
Daniel Cormier Accuses Jon Jones of Avoiding Tom Aspinall
In a recent YouTube video, Daniel Cormier expressed deep disappointment over Jones’ retirement, claiming he believes Jones quit rather than take on the challenge of fighting the new heavyweight champion. Cormier said he was compelled to share his thoughts immediately and might discuss the topic more on his show soon.
“I will go to my grave believing he quit instead of fighting that guy [Aspinall]… I normally would wait till the morning guys but I needed to get this out tonight. I’ll have more on Good Guy/ Bad Guy on Monday but it’s official. Jon Jones is done. I don’t know if this is tactics by the UFC. I don’t know that this is frustrations with Jon Jones.” —Daniel Cormier, Former UFC Champion
Jones’ retirement followed a period of legal troubles, including a misdemeanor charge related to fleeing the scene of a car accident in February. These issues, combined with his exit from the sport, have intensified speculation about his reasons for stepping away.
“I don’t know what this is. Does it feel like the end completely? I hope it does. Because if he cares about his legacy he doesn’t want to be sitting there beating up on guys that may get past Tom Aspinall. They gave him the money. They agreed to everything. And he still just would not do it. I’m going to bed. I’m tired… It was crazy when Dana [White] said that. But thank you guys for the support. I appreciate it.” —Daniel Cormier, Former UFC Champion
Reflecting on Their Rivalry: Why Cormier Still Respects Jones’ Fighting Ability
Despite his harsh criticism of Jones’ retirement, Daniel Cormier acknowledged Jones’ skill level inside the octagon and admitted he was never able to defeat him at his peak. Cormier recalled their intense rematch at UFC 214, marking it as one of the defining moments of his career, where despite being at his best, he was bested by Jones in Anaheim.
“Everything else aside, all the stuff outside of the octagon, he won every time that he was put in a fight with a man, one-on-one, and he beat me in Anaheim. I can tell you this without question. I beat Stipe Miocic, I became the Strikeforce heavyweight champion, UFC light heavyweight champion. I was never better than that time in Anaheim. That was the best I’ve ever been, and he beat me and because of that, I will always respect him for his skills and what he did inside the octagon.” —Daniel Cormier, Former UFC Champion
Cormier’s remarks highlight the complex relationship between the two fighters, combining respect for Jones’ technical ability with frustration over his sudden retirement and missed opportunities for high-profile fights.
The Broader Impact of Jones’ Exit on UFC Heavyweight Division
Jon Jones’ retirement has effectively reshaped the UFC’s heavyweight landscape, ushering in Tom Aspinall as the new champion amid mixed reactions. While the promotion moves forward, fans and fighters alike remain uncertain about Jones’ legacy and whether his turbulent exit influences perceptions of his career achievements.
Daniel Cormier’s outspoken reaction sheds light on the lasting tension between the two athletes, emphasizing how Jones’ departure might tarnish the memory of what was once an iconic rivalry. Moving ahead, the UFC heavyweight division is poised for new rivalries and title defenses, but questions around Jones’ legacy and future involvement in MMA continue to linger.