Daniel Cormier, a longtime rival of Jon Jones, has publicly expressed doubt regarding Jones' ability to continue competing in mixed martial arts. These comments arise following a leaked video that appeared to show Jones struggling with mobility, coupled with Jones' own recent disclosure of significant hip injuries requiring replacement surgery. Cormier suggests these physical ailments, potentially amplified by Jones' own actions regarding the leak, may signal the end of his fighting career.
Cormier's Doubts Emerge
Recent statements by Daniel Cormier have cast a shadow over Jon Jones' future in professional fighting. Cormier, who has a storied history with Jones, has been vocal on his YouTube channel and in interviews, offering his perspective on a leaked video showing Jones exhibiting signs of physical difficulty.
Cormier observed Jones attempting to cover a player during a celebrity basketball game and struggling to move effectively.
This observation, in Cormier's view, indicates that Jones "doesn't have anything left" in terms of his athletic capabilities.
He specifically mentioned that this assessment negates any possibility of a future wrestling match between himself and Jones.
The Arthritis Revelation
Jon Jones himself recently revealed that he is dealing with hip arthritis so severe that it qualifies him for hip replacement surgery. This disclosure came after the leaked video circulated.
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Jones publicly acknowledged the extent of his injuries, stating they could potentially end his MMA career.
He also mentioned that UFC officials, including Dana White, are aware of his medical situation.
Despite these issues, Jones has indicated his intention to still compete at a White House event on June 14th, although this date has now passed without a scheduled bout.
"I believe Jon Jones is hurt, and I believe Jon Jones really is dealing with injuries from a long sustained career in combat sports." - Daniel Cormier
"That was the video that made me believe that Jon Jones doesn’t have anything left, in that regard. There will be no wrestling match between him and I." - Daniel Cormier
Accusations of Intentional Leak
A key element of Cormier's recent commentary involves his suspicion that Jon Jones may have intentionally allowed news of his hip condition to become public. Cormier finds Jones' reaction to the leaker of the video noteworthy.
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Cormier accuses Jones of intentionally leaking the injury news, believing "Jon knew what he was doing."
He suggests that Jones may have wanted people to be aware of his injuries.
Cormier also questions the sincerity of Jones' narrative surrounding the leak and his subsequent statements.
"I think Jon Jones knew what he was doing, I think that he wanted people to know he's injured…" - Daniel Cormier
Comparisons to McGregor
In his assessment of Jones' current situation, Cormier has drawn a parallel to Conor McGregor's career trajectory. Cormier expresses concern that Jones might become like McGregor, remaining in the public eye without actively competing.
Cormier hopes Jones does not follow the path of Conor McGregor, who has remained a prominent figure despite extended periods of inactivity following injuries.
Jones relinquished his UFC heavyweight title and retired from MMA, a move Cormier suggests is a sign his career may be over.
Cormier dislikes Jones' efforts to stay in the headlines, likening it to McGregor's approach.
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"Conor got hurt, and he left. Now that Jon Jones has retired, Daniel Cormier wants him out of the headlines." - Sportskeeda
Expert Analysis and Skepticism
The narrative surrounding Jon Jones' injuries and potential retirement is complex, with conflicting interpretations. While Cormier views the situation as a definitive sign of Jones' decline, others may interpret it differently. The lack of an immediate scheduled fight for Jones following his injury disclosure, despite his prior claims of readiness, fuels speculation.
Daniel Cormier's viewpoint: Believes Jones' injuries are genuine and signify the end of his fighting career. He doubts the sincerity of how the injury news emerged.
Jon Jones' stance: Acknowledges severe injuries but maintains awareness from UFC leadership and expresses a desire to compete. His actions regarding the leak and his continued presence in public discussions are points of contention.
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"I don't believe him, and I don't think you should." - Daniel Cormier (referring to Jon Jones' injury narrative)
Conclusion and Implications
Daniel Cormier's consistent public statements suggest a strong conviction that Jon Jones' fighting days are over, primarily due to severe hip injuries. Cormier's skepticism about the way the injury information surfaced adds another layer to the situation, hinting at a potential strategy by Jones to manage public perception. The comparison to Conor McGregor underscores Cormier's concern about Jones' post-career relevance. The precise impact of Jones' injuries on his ability to compete remains a subject of debate, but Cormier's influential voice clearly leans towards a definitive end to Jones' MMA tenure.
Sources:
Sportskeeda: https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/news-jon-jones-doesn-t-anything-left-daniel-cormier-addresses-rival-s-arthritis-clip-believes-bones-carrying-injuries
LowkickMMA: https://www.lowkickmma.com/daniel-cormier-confident-arthritis-has-ended-jon-jones-career/
Sherdog: https://www.sherdog.com/news/news/Daniel-Cormier-Accuses-Jon-Jones-of-Intentionally-Leaking-Arthritis-News-200095
CBS Sports: https://www.cbssports.com/ufc/news/daniel-cormier-jon-jones-hip-injury-ufc-white-house/
MMA Junkie (USA Today): https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2025/07/08/ufc-daniel-cormier-hopes-jon-jones-not-like-conor-mcgregor/84501866007/
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