In the world of mixed martial arts, few rivalries have captured attention quite like that of Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones. As a two-time UFC champion, Cormier has established himself as a formidable presence in the octagon, yet his journey has been continuously intertwined with the narrative surrounding Jones, who many consider one of the sport’s greatest fighters—perhaps the greatest. However, despite his accolades, Cormier has firmly maintained his distance from endorsing Jones as the greatest of all time (GOAT), primarily due to Jones’ previous issues with performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs).
Cormier’s perspective stems from more than just rivalry; it reflects a broader conversation about integrity in sports. Although Jones’ achievements—crowned with a swift submission victory over Ciryl Gane to win the heavyweight title at UFC 285—certainly impress, Cormier is not willing to overshadow the implications of Jones’ drug testing failures. For Cormier, who faced Jones twice and has been personally affected by Jones’ controversies, the glorification of such a fighter raises important ethical questions.
While Cormier concedes that Jones has navigated through multiple generations of fighters, his accolades carry a hefty asterisk in Cormier’s eyes. The reality is that Jones not only tested positive after a rematch with Cormier, which subsequently led to the bout being ruled a no contest, but also faced similar issues in other fights. In essence, this taints the narrative of an otherwise stellar career. Cormier asserts that extraordinary achievements do not erase the stench of doping scandals, insisting that actions have consequences, and they should factor significantly into defining greatness in sports.
Cormier’s belief reflects a moral stance prevalent among many athletes who value integrity over sheer statistical achievement. He argues convincingly that the title of “greatest of all time” should not only be awarded based on performance inside the octagon but should also factor in the moral fiber of the fighter’s character—a stance that undoubtedly resonates with many fans and fellow fighters alike.
Beyond the ethical implications of Jones’ past, there is a deeply personal dimension to the Cormier-Jones rivalry. The intensity of their battles and the mental toll of such a public feud cannot be overlooked. Despite their bitter past, Cormier acknowledges the sheer power of Jones’ fighting skills, citing the notorious head-kick knockout at UFC 214 as the hardest strike he has ever experienced. This complex relationship, marked by mutual respect tempered with deep-seated rivalry, adds layers to Cormier’s outright refusal to bestow the GOAT label on Jones.
In the end, Cormier’s refusal to align with the idea of Jones as the greatest serves as a reminder of the dualities present in professional sports—where greatness can be both celebrated and scrutinized. Thus, as the MMA landscape continues to evolve, so too will the discussions surrounding legacy, ethics, and what it truly means to be the greatest of all time.