UFC legends Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier, longtime rivals, shared laughs and barbs during their time as coaches on the Russian MMA show ALF Reality 3. Newly released footage captures their humorous interactions on set in Thailand. Despite ongoing tensions, the pair demonstrated a lighter side of their feud.
Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier, both UFC Hall of Famers and former two-division champions, recently appeared as coaches on ALF Reality 3, a Russian MMA television program filmed in Thailand. The footage, released recently, shows the rivals in a surreal faceoff that gained viral attention. This marks one of their few reunions since competing in the UFC Octagon.
Initially, Jones and Cormier maintained a cordial tone after filming concluded. However, tensions resurfaced in subsequent weeks. Jones criticized Cormier, calling him a “d——” and accusing him of mistreating fellow coaches. In response, Cormier suggested a wrestling match between them. Jones, who has admitted that arthritis limits his future combat sports participation, stated he is negotiating a return for the upcoming UFC White House card this summer.
The new ALF Reality 3 footage highlights moments of levity amid their history of rivalry. It depicts the two sharing laughs, contrasting their past hostilities. Jones has not fought since defending his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. He had been in talks to face Tom Aspinall last year but chose to retire from MMA instead. Cormier retired following his trilogy loss to Miocic in 2020.
While a combat sports rematch seems unlikely, the interactions on set illustrate that Jones and Cormier can engage without escalating to conflict. Their rivalry, spanning years, continues to captivate fans, though recent events show potential for reconciliation.