Daniel Cormier recently opened up about why his rematch against Jon Jones is the biggest regret of his career. Despite having a legendary Hall of Fame career, Cormier still wishes he had made a key adjustment against Jones.
Cormier and Jones had a well-documented rivalry and were undoubtedly the top light heavyweights in the world. They faced each other twice, with ‘Bones’ getting the better of ‘DC’ on both occasions. However, the result of their UFC 214 bout was overturned to a no-contest following Jones’ USADA violation.
During an appearance on WEIGHING IN, Cormier reflected on his loss to Jones at UFC 214.
“In terms of one [regret from my career], it was the Jon Jones fight the second time,” Cormier said.
Cormier revealed that he was confident heading into the fight and performed very well. He admitted that he became too overzealous after finding success with his striking. That confidence led to him lose focus and get caught by Jones’ head kick, which resulted in a knockout loss.
“I was in shape. We were fighting, I was fighting really well, and then [Jones] kicked me in the body. I was like, ‘Okay.’ Then he tried to head kick me and I was like, ‘Nope.’ I started feeling so good that I lost focus,” Cormier said. “Now I’m being arrogant, talking to him, doing all those things when that never was me. I was always so locked in. That’s why I was so good.”
Daniel Cormier Explains Mentality During Jon Jones Rematch
Daniel Cormier also opened up about his mentality during his rematch with Jon Jones at UFC 214. He revealed that he was completely focused, to the point that he wasn’t aware of whether he won a round.
Cormier explained that he was focused for the majority of the fight. However, he lost focus when he began taunting Jones. After that, he was no longer in control and ultimately lost the fight.
“It was like tunnel vision. I didn’t see anything. In between rounds, I would go to Bob [Cook] and Javier [Mendez] and say, ‘Did I win that round?’ They’d be like, ‘You were on top of him for four minutes. How could you not know?'” Cormier told Josh Thomson on WEIGHING IN. “I was talking [expletive] to him, pointing at him, I’m doing all kinds of stuff that just was not me, and then I got kicked in the head.”
Cormier and Jones Set to Add Another Chapter to Their Rivalry
Cormier and Jones are set to add another chapter to their legendary rivalry. This time, it will be as opposing coaches on Alf Reality. The series is similar to the UFC’s The Ultimate Fighter, so they will be interacting frequently.
Although Cormier has no interest in fighting anymore, he expressed a desire to face Jones one more time. He believes a third meeting with ‘Bones’ in a freestyle wrestling match for RAF is a possibility.
Cormier, a former Olympic wrestler, expressed his confidence that he would defeat his former rival.
“Real American Freestyle is going to see me and [Jones] at some point, and I’m going to kick his [expletive] like you never believe,” Cormier told Ben Askren on Funky and the Champ. “Guess what, I still shoot. I still train wrestlers every single day.”
Daniel Cormier Explains Why He Regrets the Jon Jones Rematch the Most