Jon Jones has reignited tensions with his long-standing rival Daniel Cormier by responding to Cormier’s criticism over Jones re-entering the UFC drug testing program ahead of his comeback. The rivalry, centered on their highly publicized history, continues to spur heated exchanges as Jones prepares for his return to the octagon.
After surprising fans last month by vacating his heavyweight title and announcing retirement, Jones reversed his decision following news of a UFC event scheduled at the White House. His re-entry into the drug testing pool signals a firm intention to compete once again. Although Jones has voiced that he is indifferent about who his next opponent might be, Cormier has voiced skepticism about Jones’s true intentions, expressing frustration about the anticipation Jones is building without confirming any fight plans.
A Decade-Long Feud: The History Between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier
The rivalry between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier dates back around eleven years, beginning when they were first set to face off. Their animosity became one of MMA’s most intense conflicts over time. Despite several scheduled bouts falling through, the two competitors eventually fought twice, with Jones winning initially by unanimous decision and later seemingly by knockout.
The knockout victory at UFC 217 was later overturned after Jones failed a drug test, adding fuel to their bitter dispute. Despite both men having retired since, their rivalry has not diminished, as ongoing comments and interactions continue to stoke competitive fires.
In response to a fan query about Cormier labeling him a quitter, Jones replied cryptically on social media:
“Sometimes you gotta know when to quit, sometimes you gotta know when to let things go.”
We should be constantly evolving, quitting certain things could be the best decision a person ever made.
—Jon Jones
Daniel Cormier’s Warning Over Jones’s Return and Comparisons to Conor McGregor
Daniel Cormier has raised concerns about Jon Jones’s return to the UFC’s drug testing pool, suggesting the move might end up resembling Conor McGregor’s drawn-out and inconsistent comeback efforts. Cormier cautioned Jones against building false expectations among fans, referencing McGregor’s repeated announcements and subsequent cancellations that frustrated audiences and hurt his credibility.
During an episode of ESPN’s show Good Guy/Bad Guy with Chael Sonnen, Cormier reflected on his turbulent past with Jones but also mocked the ongoing drama his rival creates.
“Jon Jones and I don’t see eye to eye in most instances and, boy, he’s been great for my YouTube here this last couple months,”
Cormier joked.
He urged Jones to avoid turning his comeback into a media spectacle akin to McGregor’s frequent announcements without follow-through:
“But please don’t become what Conor has become in the media. Every time a big story breaks, Conor’s like, ‘I’m back,’ or ‘I’m doing this.’ Don’t do that. Don’t try to make it about you when you voluntarily walked away from this.”
Conor didn’t voluntarily walk away. Conor got hurt, and he left. He just hasn’t come back. Jones voluntarily said ‘I’m done.’ So now that he’s done, don’t try to make these stories about you whenever you’re a guy that’s supposed to have walked away from the game.
—Daniel Cormier
The Significance of Their Ongoing Rivalry and What to Expect Next
The Jon Jones Daniel Cormier rivalry remains one of the most intense in UFC history, colored by controversies inside and outside the octagon. With Jones returning to active competition and rejoining the drug testing pool, the narrative promises to unfold further, potentially setting the stage for more confrontational encounters. Fans and analysts alike will closely watch whether Jones makes a definitive comeback fight announcement or continues to stoke anticipation without action.
Cormier’s role as an analyst keeps him vocal about Jones’s moves, amplifying the tension with every comment. The rivalry’s persistence reflects not only their personal history but also the UFC’s broader storylines about commitment, legacy, and the challenges fighters face in deciding when to end their careers.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What did Jon Jones test positive for?
A. Jones received a temporary suspension. On September 13, USADA announced that both his “A” and “B” samples tested positive for Turinabol. Consequently, the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) changed the fight result to a no contest.
Q. What was Jon Jones tested positive for?
A. The hearing showed that Jones tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole metabolites. These are found in Tadalafil, a medication for erectile dysfunction that Jones admitted using.