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For being in a rivalry that was once so heated, Daniel Cormier has nothing but praises for Jon Jones these days. “DC,” in fact, offered a contrary opinion about “Bones,” who’s been widely criticized for his numerous transgressions.
Cormier’s engagements with Jon Jones outside of rivalry
Speaking to fellow double-champ Henry Cejudo, Cormier revealed some moments where he engaged with Jones and their rivalry was briefly set aside.
“We talked about each other’s families. But in the darkest moments, when his mother passed, when my father passed, he sent me a message. He really did. And even in that moment, I appreciate that. For all that we’ve been through, I appreciated him sending me that message, as I sent the message for his mother. Because we understand what family is.
“There’s good in that dude. I just ain’t really had the opportunity to see it. But, we’ll see. We’ll see what time brings. But there is good in that dude. You’ve got to just be able to get to it.”
Cormier credits rivalry with Jon Jones for his career trajectory
Jones and Cormier had one of the most heated rivalries in recent MMA history. And while the former lost twice and never got at least one victory, he credits that storyline with Jones as a catalyst for the massive successes that followed, which included a rare feat of being a UFC “double-champ.”
“I would not have much of what I have without him. He elevated my star to levels because our rivalry was so bad. It was so intense, and it was so desired by people. People were rabid for me and Jones, to the point that now at 44 years old, people go, ‘DC, one more.’
“But that is what happens when something that matters lasts. That is what happens when you give something to people that they still pine for after all these years. And it was only because of what we were to each other.
“But I will also say that: there’s never been a time where he’s done better than with me. We’ve both done our best numbers together. It is what it is. Because we had something special. We’re business partners.”
As for his career, Jones returned from a three-year hiatus at UFC 285 in March and submitted Ciryl Gane inside half a round. That victory immediately skyrocketed him back to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings, something Alexander Volkanovksi didn’t argue against.
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