Jon Jones defends Cormier after frightening episode on Russian TUF: 'Everyone felt unsafe'

Jon Jones Promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/jonnybones

The rivalry between Daniel Cormier e Jon Jones It's so unique that it can even bring together eternal rivals, even if only momentarily. And that happened in early 2026. Acting as coaches on the reality show 'ALF MMA', popularly known as the Russian TUF, the MMA icons experienced chaotic moments protagonized by the competitors during filming. In one particular episode, 'Bones' even advocated for 'DC'.

In the third episode of the season, which aired last Tuesday (17), one of the athletes received a surprise punch and, enraged, shouted, made threats and tried to grab a knife to attack his rival. Shocked by the violence of the fights, Cormier showed concern about the competitors' behavior and considered leaving the show because he disapproved of so much violence. Therefore, Jones sided with his rival.

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'Bones' confirmed that the violent fight was indeed a turbulent and dramatic moment, thus denying that 'DC' exaggerated his reaction. It is true that the American, throughout his career, has been involved in questionable episodes, but now, older and more mature, he advised the show's competitors to adopt a less belligerent and destructive attitude.

“It was truly one of the tensest moments I’ve seen, having been in the cast of this series for two seasons. Sergei went to get the knife and scared everyone. Cormier was very close to the situation. It was very intense and I think for the first time, everyone on set felt really insecure,” said the MMA legend.

“Right now, one of our coaches is considering whether he should stay. Cormier is a huge star in the United States, he’s a father, a coach, and it’s his responsibility to ensure the safety of his team while he’s here. In the end, on this show, we’re all on the same team. I know you have real conflicts, but the goal is to make a good TV show.”

“If we lose one of our coaches, we won’t be able to make a good show. The fights, the violence, it’s a lot of fun, but nothing in this show is worth losing your life for. I understand how Cormier feels because when I see things like knives, I don’t want to be here either. So, guys, please don’t make things difficult for me or Cormier by making this show a life-threatening situation,” he concluded.

What happened in the two fights between Jones and Cormier?

In their first fight, which took place in 2015 and became a classic, Jon Jones won Daniel Cormier by unanimous decision (49-46 3x) and defended the UFC light heavyweight title (up to 93 kg) for the eighth time. In the highly anticipated rematch, which took place in 2017, 'Bones' knocked out 'DC'.

However, the fight was declared a no-contest after the bad boy tested positive for the banned substance 'turinabol'. Even so, Jones ignores the incident and claims to have won the fight.

Jones' fighters in MMA

Jon JonesThe 38-year-old made his mark in MMA, becoming the UFC light heavyweight (up to 93 kg) and heavyweight (up to 120,2 kg) champion. Not surprisingly, the American is considered by many to be the greatest and best fighter in history. He began his career in the sport in 2008 and debuted in its biggest organization that same year.

In this format, 'Bones' built a record of 28 wins, one loss, and one 'no contest' (no result). His main victories were against Alexander Gustafson (twice), Chael Sonnen, Cyryl Gane, Daniel Cormier, Dominick reyes, Glover Teixeira, Lyoto Machida, Mauritius Shogun, Quinton'Rampage'Jackson, Rashad evans, Ryan bader, Stipe Miocic, Thiago Marreta e Vitor belfort.