Daniel Cormier, former two-division UFC champion, and Jon Jones, a dominant figure in UFC history, share one of the sport’s most iconic rivalries. While Cormier did not secure victory in their battles, he credits the matchup for profoundly changing his financial landscape. The “Jon Jones UFC payday highlights” reveal how pivotal this rivalry was in elevating Cormier’s earnings during a transformative period for the promotion.

Cormier explained that the UFC operated differently under the control of Zuffa, the company that previously owned the organization. Despite Dana White’s role as the UFC’s public face, it was ex-CEO Lorenzo Fertitta who shaped how champions were compensated and promoted.

How Lorenzo Fertitta Elevated Champions’ Earnings Behind the Scenes

Cormier praised Fertitta for the discretionary bonuses given to fighters, which went beyond standard paychecks and reflected a deeper support system for champions. On the podcast Club Shay Shay, Cormier stated:

“Lorenzo Fertitta was the best [at covering his bases for that]. When Lorenzo Fertitta was there, he would do these discretionary bonuses where [the UFC] would just give you money.”

Prior to his first fight with Jon Jones in January 2015, Cormier shared that he was contracted to earn $85,000 just to compete against the champion, a figure that seems modest now given the fight’s impact on his career trajectory.

First Encounter with Jon Jones Marked a Turning Point for Cormier

The initial bout against Jon Jones was a defining moment both professionally and financially for Cormier. He revealed:

“So, when I fought Jon Jones, my contract was $85,000 [to show and win],”

Although Cormier lost the fight, the UFC rewarded his promotional efforts with a surprise bonus. He recalled:

“I lost the first time [we fought]. On Monday, Dana called me and goes, ‘You did a great job [promoting the fight]. We’re gonna send you a check for a million dollars.'”

This moment marked Cormier’s first seven-figure payoff, setting the stage for increasingly lucrative contracts as his dominance in both light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions expanded.

Rivalry Helped Grow the UFC and MMA’s Mainstream Appeal

Despite never defeating Jones, Cormier acknowledged the mutual benefit their rivalry created for the sport and the UFC’s evolution, particularly as other legendary fighters like Anderson Silva and Georges St.-Pierre faded from the spotlight. He reflected on Jones’s undeniable skill while also addressing the controversial issue of performance-enhancing drugs in MMA:

“Steroids in fighting is much different than anything else in the world… you just can’t have that tied to your name, especially in fighting, and people call you the greatest of all-time,”

“He’s the greatest talent the sport has ever seen.”

This statement highlights Cormier’s respect for Jones’s abilities, regardless of the complex backdrop involving steroid use.

From Fighter to Analyst: Cormier’s Ongoing Role in the UFC

Having transitioned from competitor to commentator and analyst, Cormier now maintains an influential presence in the UFC as a desk analyst and color commentator. His involvement in the sport continues to engage fans, while his growing YouTube channel expands his reach beyond traditional media.

Additional Current Developments in MMA

• Francis Ngannou’s potential return to MMA remains uncertain, leaving fans speculating.
• A beloved UFC champion’s decision to unretires at 43 to compete in bare-knuckle fighting has surprised many supporters.
• A recent UFC debut resulted in a viral knockout loss, prompting the fighter to address the public.
• Current UFC featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski has announced his next opponent for an upcoming title defense.