Jon Jones opens up and reveals the rival who brought out his 'worst side' inside the UFC octagon

Jon Jones in victory in UFC 309. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

Known by many as the greatest of all time, Jon Jones He built his legacy on the image of a cool, intelligent fighter with a bulletproof mind inside and outside the octagon. However, only one specific opponent was able to take 'Bones' out of his modus operandi and awaken his emotions for a duel.

In an interview with the 'Vic Blends' YouTube channel, Jon Jones revealed that the rivalry with Daniel Cormier It was the only time in his career that he fought out of hatred. The champion said that he is usually driven by his love for the sport, the fans and the opportunities, but that the contempt for 'DC' was so intense that it made him train driven by negative energy.

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"Daniel Cormier and I… I swear he aged me in a way. I fight for love. I do what I do purely for love, I love this gift, the opportunity, the fans, the money, all of it, I just love it. But with Daniel Cormier “I had a hatred for him for the first time, where I just couldn’t imagine losing to that man. I remember doing extra training on Christmas Day just because I hated him so much at the time and couldn’t imagine losing to him. That drove me to beat him, but I never want to act on that kind of energy again.” Jon Jones.

Jon Jones stated that the hatred in the rivalry with Daniel Cormier It was mutual and extremely intense. According to the champion, both have publicly admitted this feeling, and the stress and dedication required during that period were so great that he believes he lost a few years of his life in the process.

“I know he feels the same way about me. I've heard him say in interviews something like, 'I genuinely hated the Jon Jones'. It was stressful and that training camp was very demanding, it probably took a few years off our lives, because we operated under so much hate," concluded the Heavyweight Champion.

Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones rivalry

Daniel Cormier shared the octagon with Jon Jones for the first time at UFC 182, held in 2015. On that occasion, 'DC' was defeated by unanimous decision. In the rematch, held in 2017, the Olympic medalist was knocked out, but as 'Bones' tested positive for the substance turinabol, the fight was declared a no-contest.