D. Cormier (left) and J. Jones (right) facing each other for a fight in 2016. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube ufc
Despite past differences, Daniel Cormier acknowledges and is impressed by Jon Jones ' achievements . The former fighter and current UFC commentator describes the longevity of the current heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg) as something 'almost impossible' at the highest level of the sport.
During an episode of the 'DC & RC Reunion' segment on ESPN's YouTube channel, Cormier explained to his teammate Ryan Clark the difficulty of remaining a champion in the UFC, as there are always motivated young people willing to overcome the champions and achieve what they have. He used the example of Usman and Volkanovski, who, despite being at the top, constantly face new challenges and need to constantly evolve to remain the best.
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“It’s almost impossible, especially to do it for so long. That’s why when you see a guy like Usman or Volkanovski, where they just go, and they’re doing well, right? It seems like they’re unbeatable. The whole time you’re up there, being the guy, and you’re laying in that big, beautiful house, there’s a young guy who doesn’t have what you have. While you’re doing a lot, still trying to be the best, he’s doing a little bit more because he wants what you have. It’s like having a guy walking behind you constantly. So, it’s really hard. You have to keep getting better.”
Jon Jones won his first UFC title by defeating Mauricio Shogun for the light heavyweight belt in 2011. Today, considered the greatest fighter in the organization's history, 'Bones' moved up to the heavyweight division and won the belt by submitting Ciryl Gane in March 2023. As we enter 2025, Jones is still the UFC champion, even after more than 13 years since his first belt.
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