Jones and Cormier are slated to serve as opposing coaches on an
MMA reality show. | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
It appears that Jon Jones and
Daniel
Cormier will renew their rivalry as opposing coaches on a mixed
martial arts reality show.
On Monday, ALF Reality announced via social media that Jones and
Cormier will coach on the third iteration of the show. Noteworthy
names such as Nate Diaz,
Petr
Yan, Khamzat
Chimaev and Aljamain
Sterling have served as coaches on the Russian show in previous
years. A date for the new season was not revealed.
Jones was part of a past season that saw Nate Diaz
involved in a
brawl with one of the participating fighters. Diaz, Jake Shields
and the rest of the team would leave the set and return home to
California as a result. Jones was not involved in the incident.
😱Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier faced off.
Who could’ve thought this would happen. pic.twitter.com/iNGoyu0LzO
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight)
January 5, 2026
Tense History
Jones and Cormier had one of the most intense rivalries in
UFC history. They initially met in a light heavyweight title
bout at UFC 182, with Jones winning via unanimous decision. “Bones”
would also win the rematch via third-round stoppage at UFC 214, but
the result was overturned to a no contest after Jones failed a drug
test.
Their animosity was evident outside the Octagon, including one
brawl at a media day event in 2014 followed by an
infamous hot mic interaction during an interview with both men
on ESPN shortly thereafter. Over the years, Jones and Cormier have
continued to take shots at one other on social media and through
various interviews.
Jones, who is widely regarded as perhaps the greatest light
heavyweight of all time, returned to capture UFC heavyweight gold
in 2023. He defended the belt once against Stipe
Miocic in 2024 before retiring again earlier this year. “Bones”
ended that retirement with designs on competing at the UFC White
House event slated for June, though it remains unclear if his wish
to participate will be granted.
Cormier retired from MMA in 2020 and is a constant presence at UFC
events as an analyst. Though he never got the better of Jones, “DC”
won titles at light heavyweight and heavyweight during a memorable
Octagon tenure.