Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier reignited their long-standing rivalry after Cormier’s appearance on the Club Shay Shay podcast with Shannon Sharpe. Cormier argued that Jones’s past failed drug tests disqualify him from being MMA’s greatest fighter ever. Jones hit back on X, calling the claims insulting and emphasizing his natural talent.
Cormier’s Take
On Club Shay Shay, Cormier said:
“I don’t believe that he should be considered the greatest of all time. Steroids in fighting is much different than anything else in the world. You just can’t have that tied to your name, especially in fighting, and people call you the greatest of all time.”
He praised Jones’s skills, adding:
“He’s by far the most talented person that we’ve had in mixed martial arts. In terms of his length, his skills, his mind. He’s the best athlete we’ve ever had.” Cormier also ruled out Anderson Silva for similar reasons, stating, “Anderson had the steroid, so I can’t put Anderson. Not in fighting.”
He suggested Jones for a 2026 White House fight card, saying:
“They’re talking about the White House fight card, we gotta have some Americans win,” he said. “If y’all want an American dude to go get a victory, put Jon Jones in there because he gonna win. That’s what he does.”
Jones’s Comeback
Jones responded on X, writing:
“When DC tells his story, somehow I’m always the co-star. Thanks Shannon Sharpe for the invite, even if I was only there in spirit.” He added, “To have a man out there lobbying on one of the biggest podcasts, trying to convince the world that my work ethic was powered by steroids … you clearly didn’t even watch the interview. High school state champ, JUCO national champ, youngest UFC champion, greatest in MMA history. A lifetime of loss, victories and sacrifice and this guy wants to write it all off as steroids. Honestly, it’s insulting. But I can’t help but laugh, knowing it was God given abilities that made him feel so inferior,”
When DC tells his story, somehow I’m always the co-star. 😂 Thanks @ShannonSharpe84 for the invite, even if I was only there in spirit. #Airbnb
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) August 21, 2025
To have a man out there lobbying on one of the biggest podcasts, trying to convince the world that my work ethic was powered by steroids… you clearly didn’t even watch the interview https://t.co/VNqSAIR7vX
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) August 21, 2025
High school state champ, JUCO national champ, youngest UFC champion, greatest in MMA history. A lifetime of loss, victories and sacrifice and this guy wants to write it all off as steroids. Honestly, it’s insulting. But I can’t help but laugh, knowing it was God given abilities…
— Jonny Meat (@JonnyBones) August 21, 2025
Jon Jones began MMA in 2008, going 6-0 before joining the UFC. He won the light heavyweight title in March 2011 against Mauricio Rua at age 23, becoming the youngest UFC champion ever. His record is 27-1-1, with victories over Daniel Cormier (2015, 2017), Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida, and Alexander Gustafsson. His only loss was a 2009 disqualification to Matt Hamill. Jones captured the heavyweight title in March 2023 against Ciryl Gane and defended it against Stipe Miocic in November 2024, holding a UFC-record 15 title fight wins.
Jones’s career faced setbacks from failed drug tests. In July 2016, he tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole, canceling a UFC 200 fight with Cormier. At UFC 214 in July 2017, his knockout of Cormier was overturned to a no-contest after testing positive for Turinabol. Trace amounts of Turinabol appeared in 2018 tests, deemed “pulsing” by USADA, not requiring punishment. Jones denied intentional use, but these incidents fuel Cormier’s argument.
Daniel Cormier started MMA in 2009 after a wrestling career, including two Olympic appearances (2004, 2008). His UFC record is 22-3-1, with wins over Stipe Miocic, Anthony Johnson, and Frank Mir. He won the light heavyweight title in May 2015 and the heavyweight title in July 2018, becoming a two-division champion. Cormier lost to Jones twice (2015, 2017, the latter overturned). Retired since August 2020, he’s now a UFC commentator.
The rivalry began in 2011 with verbal exchanges. At UFC 182 in January 2015, Jones beat Cormier by decision. A brawl at a 2014 press conference in MGM Grand led to fines and community service. Their 2017 rematch at UFC 214 ended in a no-contest due to Jones’s drug test. Cormier called the feud draining, saying it “aged” him, while Jones admitted it brought out his worst side.
Jones retired in June, vacating the heavyweight title to avoid a unification bout with Tom Aspinall. Weeks later, he rejoined the USADA testing pool, hinting at a 2026 White House event. Cormier criticized this, saying, “Don’t keep playing with our emotions. You either fight, or you hit the door,”. Jones responded, claiming he lives “rent-free” in Cormier’s head.
