Jon Jones Breaks Silence on His Fierce Hatred for Daniel Cormier

In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), few rivalries have been as intense and talked about as the one between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. Their long-standing feud has captivated fans, sparked heated debates, and produced some of the most memorable moments in UFC history. Recently, Dominick Reyes, a fighter who has had his own share of battles with Jones, opened up about the reasons behind Jon Jones’s well-known animosity toward Cormier, offering a fresh perspective on the psychological and emotional dynamics at play.

Reyes’s comments shed new light on the already complex relationship between Jones and Cormier, emphasizing just how personal their rivalry has been. But what makes this revelation even more compelling is the insight it provides into the mind of one of the UFC’s most controversial figures, Jon Jones. The former light heavyweight champion has long been seen as a polarizing figure—loved by many for his undeniable talent and hated by others for his off-the-cage antics. Still, one thing is certain: Jon Jones is an athlete who knows how to stir controversy and manipulate public perception.

The Rise of Jon Jones: A Champion With Many Enemies

Before we dive into Reyes’s take on the Jones-Cormier feud, it’s important to understand the context of Jon Jones’s career and the mindset that has fueled both his successes and his conflicts.

Jon Jones entered the UFC at the young age of 20, quickly establishing himself as a prodigy in the sport. With his unconventional style, dynamic movement, and unparalleled fight IQ, Jones dominated the light heavyweight division like no one before him. His combination of size, skill, and athleticism made him nearly untouchable in the Octagon.

However, Jones’s rapid ascent to the top was marred by a series of controversies outside the cage. From failed drug tests to legal troubles, Jones’s career was often overshadowed by his off-the-record actions. Despite this, his undeniable talent kept him at the forefront of MMA, and his legacy as one of the greatest fighters of all time became cemented. But not everyone was impressed by Jones’s rise.

The Rivalry With Daniel Cormier: A Clash of Personalities

The rivalry between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier has always been more than just a professional competition. It’s been personal from the start.

Daniel Cormier, a decorated Olympic wrestler, had a chip on his shoulder when it came to Jon Jones. While Cormier is widely regarded as one of the most respectful fighters in the sport, he has always been critical of Jones, both in and out of the cage. Cormier’s pride was deeply wounded by Jones’s success, and it didn’t take long for their mutual disdain to boil over.

The two first met in the Octagon in January 2015, at UFC 182. Jones dominated Cormier in a five-round decision, but the animosity between the two continued to escalate, with both men exchanging barbs in the media and taking every opportunity to belittle each other. Jones’s taunts and insults seemed to dig deeper than just competition—they seemed personal.

Over the years, Cormier and Jones would clash again, each fight taking on new layers of bitterness and tension. Their rivalry reached its peak when Cormier accused Jones of cheating, following Jones’s failed drug test after their second fight at UFC 214. Jones’s failure to defend his title against Cormier added fuel to the fire, making the rivalry even more venomous.

While Cormier always held a sense of moral superiority over Jones, many fans began to question whether Jones’s actions outside the cage were being held to a higher standard than Cormier’s behavior. Jon’s undeniable talent made him an easy target for criticism, and many believed that Cormier’s righteous anger only fueled the fire of their rivalry.

Dominick Reyes Weighs In: A Fresh Perspective on Jon’s ‘Hatred’ for Cormier

Enter Dominick Reyes. Reyes, who fought Jon Jones for the UFC light heavyweight title in 2020, has been on the receiving end of Jones’s controversial reputation firsthand. Reyes is known for his striking prowess and his ability to challenge top-tier fighters, but when it comes to Jon Jones, Reyes finds himself in a unique position—facing one of the greatest and most hated fighters in UFC history.

In a recent interview, Reyes shared his thoughts on why Jon Jones harbored such strong negative feelings toward Daniel Cormier. According to Reyes, the root of Jones’s animosity toward Cormier was simple: “That’s why he hated Daniel.” Reyes elaborated, explaining that Jones’s competitive nature, mixed with his deep-rooted insecurities, fueled his hatred for Cormier. Jones, Reyes believes, saw Cormier as a major threat—not only as a fighter but also as a person who could potentially eclipse Jones’s legacy in the UFC.

Reyes’s perspective sheds new light on the psychology of Jon Jones. For years, fans and analysts have wondered why Jones seemed to have such an intense personal rivalry with Cormier, despite the two fighters having very different personalities. While Cormier carried himself with humility and respect, Jones’s brash, trash-talking persona seemed designed to get under his opponent’s skin. Reyes’s insights suggest that it wasn’t just about competition—it was about the fear that Cormier’s rise would overshadow Jones’s own greatness.

The Role of Ego in Jon Jones’s Hate for Cormier

Reyes’s comments highlight one of the most important psychological aspects of Jon Jones’s rivalry with Cormier: ego. Jon Jones’s journey to the top of the UFC has been marked by incredible achievements, but also by moments of self-doubt and insecurity. Despite his many successes, Jones has often been accused of not respecting the sport or his opponents, and this has only intensified the criticism he has faced throughout his career.

Ego, especially in a sport as brutal as MMA, plays a significant role in shaping a fighter’s mindset. Jon Jones has always had an unshakable belief in his own abilities, but that belief has often come across as arrogance. For someone like Cormier, who has built his career on hard work, dedication, and humility, Jones’s attitude must have been frustrating, to say the least. Cormier’s moral high ground clashed with Jones’s willingness to bend the rules and engage in mind games.

This dynamic likely contributed to the ongoing personal nature of their feud. Cormier’s pride as a competitor was wounded by Jones’s disrespect, and Jones’s ego could never accept being questioned by someone like Cormier—especially when Cormier was so well-respected by fans and fighters alike.

The Legacy of Jon Jones: A Fighter Loved and Hated in Equal Measure

As we analyze the ongoing rivalry between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier, it’s clear that the emotional and psychological aspects of their feud are as important as the physical battles they’ve fought. Jon Jones is not just a fighter; he’s a symbol of talent, controversy, and ambition. His relationship with Cormier is emblematic of the larger story of Jon’s career—one marked by breathtaking highs and damaging lows.

Despite all the setbacks and controversies, Jon Jones remains one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. His legacy will likely be defined not just by his skills in the Octagon but also by the drama and controversies that have accompanied his rise to the top. The feud with Cormier is just one chapter in Jones’s career, but it speaks to the complexity of his personality—someone driven by both greatness and insecurity.

A Complex Rivalry With No Clear Winner

Dominick Reyes’s insights into Jon Jones’s hatred for Daniel Cormier add another layer of complexity to an already multifaceted rivalry. While many have focused on the technical aspects of their fights, Reyes’s perspective emphasizes the psychological battles that took place long before they ever stepped foot in the cage together.

Jon Jones’s feud with Daniel Cormier is one of the most captivating and controversial stories in UFC history. It’s a rivalry built on ego, pride, and a clash of personalities. But as Reyes points out, it’s also a rivalry driven by the fear of being overshadowed—by the fear that someone like Daniel Cormier, with his respectability and clean image, could one day eclipse the greatness of Jon Jones.

Ultimately, Jon Jones’s career is a testament to his unparalleled talent. But it’s also the story of a fighter who has struggled with his own demons, both inside and outside the cage. Whether you love him or hate him, Jon Jones remains one of the most captivating and complex figures in the world of MMA. And when it comes to his rivalry with Daniel Cormier, it’s clear that there’s no easy resolution—just a battle between two fighters, each trying to carve out their own legacy in a sport that demands nothing less than greatness.