Jon Jones’ UFC Retirement: “We’re Talking About a Kid” Daniel Cormier Reflects

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The news of Jon Jones‘ UFC retirement has stirred in the world of MMA, and fans and fighters are all searching for answers to the demise of an era. Perhaps no reaction was as emotionally charged as that of Jones’ greatest nemesis, Daniel Cormier. In defiance of their intense rivalry, Cormier gave a refreshingly nuanced reaction to Jones’ exit, combining criticism with profound respect.

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Daniel Cormier Reacts to Jon Jones’ UFC retirement

Cormier, a former two-division UFC champion and current well-known MMA analyst, spoke about ESPN MMA and his YouTube channel. While criticizing Jones for retiring without facing interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall, calling it a missed opportunity, he was respectful rather than bitter in his tone. 

“He owed it to the organization and to Aspinall to leave the ladder down on his way out,” Cormier said, implying that Jon Jones should have transferred the torch ahead of retirement.

Respect Beyond the Rivalry

Even after years of public feud, Daniel Cormier shared the undisputed skill of Jon Jones inside the Octagon. In an interview with Brett Okamoto, Cormier revisited the unprecedented rise of Jones.

“We’re talking about a kid that started this thing at like 19, 20 years old,” Cormier said. “He has spanned three different eras of heavyweights and light heavyweights.”

Cormier emphasized the sheer difficulty of staying on top when an entire sport is training to defeat you, noting that Jones won every time he entered the Octagon.

UFC 214: The Fight That Defined Their Rivalry

One fight shone through most in Cormier’s thoughts: their UFC 214 rematch. Although Jon Jones’ victory was subsequently reversed when he tested positive for a banned substance, the display made a lasting impact.

“I never was as good as that moment in Anaheim,” Cormier conceded. “That was the best I have ever been, and he defeated me… and because of that, I will always have respect for him for his ability and what he accomplished in the Octagon.”

Jon Jones’ Legacy: Unmarred, Despite Scandals

Although Daniel Cormier is still critical of Jones’ decision to retire instead of defending his title, he refuses to minimize what Jon Jones did in his career.

“In that eight-sided fence, there was no one like him,” Cormier concluded.

Jones’ legacy, albeit with the specter of doping issues and personal drawbacks, stands in MMA history. His ability to dominate over multiple generations and weight classes is something no one has been able to match.

Final Thoughts: A Rival’s Honest Tribute

Jon Jones’ UFC retirement seals the legendary chapter of MMA lore. Daniel Cormier’s reaction, though multifaceted, is an unusual moment of introspection that highlights the respect between two all-time greats. While fans absorb Jones’ exit, his legacy will assuredly endure within the Octagon and in the testimonies of even his fiercest foes.

ALSO READ: Here’s Why: Khabib Nurmagomedov Politely Shuns Photo With Fan

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