“We are not buddies, just I don’t like!” That’s what Daniel Cormier told Ben Askren when he recounted the events of UFC 306, focusing on his nemesis, Jon Jones. Well, the heavyweight champion went up the stage to shake DC’s hands, just like he did on every other occasion where the two met. However, Cormier was not a fan of it at all. More than a month later, the former heavyweight champion reignited his scuffle with Jones.

During the weigh-ins for UFC Fight Night 246: Brandon Moreno vs. Amir Albazi, DC reflected back on his relationship with Jones. And the first thing he did was diss the champ’s habit of shaking the commentator’s hand. He said, “He always comes up to me, though. I don’t understand that. No matter where we are, he’s always coming up to me to shake my hand.” 

Then came the story of his interaction with Jones at the Sphere. Talking to the stage manager for the event, DC had said, “Hey man, Jon Jones is gonna be here. Please, when he comes to shake my hand, would you please tell him, I’m working, I don’t wanna be bothered.” But as soon as the show started, the New Mexico resident came up to his former rival and shook his hand. DC stepped ahead and called the stage manager a coward. 

But when the manager took the microphone and claimed that he did so because he didn’t really like Daniel Cormier, the former champ burst out in laughter. He continued, “He’s a coward, man. This guy was supposed to protect me. He didn’t do his job. He’s a coward.” 

And as far as the relationship between Cormier and Jon Jones was concerned, he didn’t want to settle things. He said, “So, yes. I guess, we aren’t great. We aren’t great. I don’t think we have to. I think people need to stop like longing for the perfect happy ending. Guys don’t have to do hat Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield did. It can be okay just, be okay with us being as we are. And I’m fine with it. So, you guys should be, too.

On the other hand, Jones had a different opinion about their relationship. Let’s see what Dana White’s HW champion had to say.

Jon Jones opens up about his relationship with Daniel Cormier

During a conversation with Jimmy Smith back in 2023 on his talk show ‘Unlocking the Cage’, Jones revealed that he and DC could become pretty good friends. ‘Bones’ said, “People try to make Daniel and I out to be these absolute archenemies. If you look at competitive athletes throughout history, they all come around. Mike Tyson and (Evander) Holyfield, they all come around. It’s just competition. Outside of the sport, I have no ill will toward Daniel. I think he’s a very stand-up individual, and I think we’d make great friends if we were ever to sit down in front of each other and just chat it out.”

Earlier in 2017, Cormier even sent a heartfelt message to his former opponent, following his mother’s sad passing. ‘Bones’ also took charge of reciprocating Cormier’s kindness with another message, after Cormier’s father lost the battle against cancer. While it did seem like the two had settled their scores and were ready to become buddies, DC’s story shut down all hopes of a possible union. 

What are your thoughts on the rivalry between Jones and Cormier? Do you think DC should forget about the past and take Jones up as a friend? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.