Add another entry to the Jon Jones–Daniel Cormier rivalry.
The latest spat between the two arose after Cormier commented on whether he thinks Jones will be a fight-finisher as he makes the move from light heavyweight to heavyweight. On ESPN’s DC & Helwani show, Cormier doubted that Jones will have knockout power north of 205 pounds.
“Jon Jones will not knock out anybody,” Cormier said. “He doesn’t hit hard enough. If he couldn’t knock these dudes out at 205, he’s not knocking these heavyweights out.”
Jones, a two-time undisputed UFC champion, has finished just two of his past nine opponents. One of those opponents was Cormier. The two met in a rematch at UFC 214 in July 2017 and Jones defeated Cormier by knockout after landing a devastating head kick midway through the third round to reclaim the light heavyweight championship.
“Bones” made sure to remind everyone of that result when he posted a video response to Cormier’s comments on Twitter.
hope you like this quick little edit I threw together for you @dc_mma pic.twitter.com/oBAiNLLGo5
— BONY (@JonnyBones) March 2, 2021
That highlight-reel finish was officially wiped from the record books when Jones later tested positive for turinabol, an anabolic steroid. Jones was subsequently suspended by the USADA for 15 months, the win over Cormier was overturned to a no contest, and the title change was erased.
Cormier made sure to remind Jones of the post-fight events in his own Twitter response, in which he also elaborated on his comments about Jones’ power.
There is a difference punch vs kick, you’re still as dumb as you’ve always been, you’ll never surprise me. Dance for me, I can always make you move. And lastly , this fight didn’t count if you forgot there was an issue…… remember? https://t.co/JMP2lVXP9R
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) March 2, 2021
“There is a difference punch vs. kick, you’re still as dumb as you’ve always been, you’ll never surprise me,” Cormier wrote. “Dance for me, I can always make you move.
“And lastly, this fight didn’t count. If you forgot, there was an issue… remember?”
Cormier retired in 2020 following a loss to Stipe Miocic that resolved their trilogy. The former Olympic wrestling hopeful won UFC titles at both light heavyweight and heavyweight. Jones hopes to do the same and UFC President Dana White has suggested Jones could be next in line for a heavyweight title shot after Miocic defends it in a rematch against Francis Ngannou at UFC 260 on March 27.
