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Daniel Cormier claims he missed out on a massive payday because Jon Jones wasn't interested. Or at least, that's Cormier's side of the story.
Cormier and Jones share one of the most intense rivalries in UFC history. While Jones won both their encounters (the second was later overturned to a no-contest after Jones tested positive for a banned substance), their feud remains a defining clash in the UFC. It's so significant that even a decade later, both fighters continue to capitalize on its legacy.
Earlier this year, Cormier and Jones coached opposing teams on the Russian MMA reality show ALF, reigniting their animosity. This led Cormier to discuss a potential wrestling match against Jones in "Real American Freestyle" (RAF), an emerging wrestling promotion. Representatives from RAF seemed keen on organizing such a bout, but according to Cormier, after initial discussions, Jones showed no interest.
"Here's the thing with Jon Jones: it won't be in RAF because they can't afford him," Cormier stated during a Q&A session on his YouTube channel. "But there's an organization that offered both of us a seven-figure sum for a six-minute match. He won't do it. I'm telling you, he won't do it. I'm not lying. I went through the negotiations and said, 'If he wrestles me, I'll do it. But the score will be 10-0. I'll beat him by technical fall.' Unfortunately, he knows it'll be 10-0, so he won't do it."
Cormier added that after the idea of a wrestling match was rejected, he attempted to propose a grappling match with Jones, but was once again turned down.
"Then I said, 'Well, how about a grappling match?' He said 'no,' only submissions. I replied, 'Why not points, right, so there's a winner? I don't want to end in a draw.' 'No points, only submissions.' So he won't do it. He won't compete against me in anything where he thinks there's a chance he might lose. So, give up on the idea of Jon Jones. He won't do it," Cormier concluded.
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