Daniel Cormier has closed the door on mixed martial arts competition, but the idea of returning to competition in a wrestling setting is not completely off the table. The former UFC double champion recently explained that while most matchups no longer appeal to him, one name still stands out.
That name is Jon Jones.
Cormier and Jones shared one of the most intense rivalries in UFC history, meeting twice in championship bouts during their light heavyweight primes. Cormier lost a decision in their first meeting at UFC 182 and was stopped in their second encounter at UFC 214. That result was later overturned to a no contest after Jones tested positive for a banned substance.
Despite the results, Cormier says a wrestling match against his longtime rival would still make sense under the right circumstances.
Why Jon Jones Is Different
Speaking with Josh Thomson while discussing Real American Freestyle, a growing wrestling promotion that has featured several current and former UFC fighters, Cormier explained his thinking.
“I’d wrestle the right guy,” Cormier said. “I’d wrestle like Jon Jones.”
The appeal, according to Cormier, is rooted in familiarity and history rather than unfinished business inside the Octagon. A pure wrestling contest removes the elements that defined their MMA rivalry and places the focus on a skill set both athletes developed long before becoming champions.
Real American Freestyle has already hosted appearances from fighters such as Michael Chandler, Joaquin Buckley, and Belal Muhammad, creating a space where high level competitors can test themselves without the demands of full MMA camps.
One Matchup That Will Never Happen
While Jones remains a possibility in Cormier’s mind, another elite name was quickly dismissed.
When Thomson brought up Yoel Romero, Cormier did not hesitate.
“No,” Cormier responded. “I’m not wrestling Yoel Romero, bro. I wouldn’t wrestle Yoel. He’s still good, man. He’s like insanely good. I’m not wrestling with him. I’d wrestle like a Jon Jones or somebody, but not Yoel.”
Romero, a former UFC title challenger and Olympic caliber wrestler, recently showcased his dominance at Real American Freestyle by overwhelming Pat Downey. He is now scheduled to face NCAA standout Bo Nickal in an upcoming event, further solidifying his status as one of the most dangerous grapplers available.
Daniel Cormier is open to wrestling Jon Jones but not Yoel Romero 😂🤼♂️
“I wouldn’t wrestle Yoel Romero bro he is still good man he’s like insanely good. I’d wrestle Jon Jones.” 😭🤣
Via: @WeighingIn pic.twitter.com/8Mm0svhlC1
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) December 29, 2025
For Cormier, that level of risk is unnecessary.
Now retired and firmly established as a coach, commentator, and analyst, Cormier has little motivation to chase dangerous matchups without a compelling reason. His openness toward Jones reflects respect for shared history rather than a desire to settle old scores.
A bout with Romero, however, offers no such narrative and comes with too many physical risks.
For now, Cormier remains content observing from the sidelines. If he ever returns to competition, it will be selective, calculated, and rooted in legacy rather than ego.
And if Yoel Romero is on the other side of the mat, that answer will stay the same.
