One of the rare fighters to defeat Jon Jones has shown openness to a renewed clash. Jon Jones recently reignited his long rivalry with Daniel Cormier. He claimed he felt ready to bury the hatchet with his former opponent. Cormier later explained why he agreed to coach opposite Jones on a new season of ALF Reality. He said producers challenged him directly, which pushed him to accept. Their competitive history quickly resurfaced during filming. That intensity even led Cormier to agree to box Jones after a heated argument.
A Rivalry That Refuses To Fade
Both men previously held UFC heavyweight and light heavyweight titles. Their long-running feud still attracts attention across combat sports. A possible trilogy now seems more realistic under alternative rulesets. Several athletes with MMA backgrounds have expressed interest. One of them shares a unique history with Jones. Real American Freestyle has emerged as a potential stage for such encounters. The promotion blends wrestling with combat sports credibility. That mix has sparked fresh speculation around old rivalries.
Wrestling Rules Spark New Possibilities
Real American Freestyle co-founder Chad Bronstein recently teased a Jones versus Cormier wrestling match. Such a bout would require significant financial backing. Still, pride and unfinished business could drive both men. Jones would offer Cormier a rare chance at symbolic revenge. Their UFC 182 meeting still looms large in fans’ memories. A win under new rules could reshape the rivalry’s narrative.
Matt Riddle Steps Into The Conversation
Another former UFC fighter has floated a similar idea. Matt Riddle defeated Jon Jones twice during high school wrestling. Riddle last competed in MMA in 2014. He earned his final Octagon win at UFC 154 against John Maguire. He later transitioned fully into professional wrestling and joined WWE. Despite the long layoff, Riddle remains open to facing Jones again. He spoke candidly while attending RAF05.
Confidence Low, Motivation High
Riddle admitted doubts about his chances against Jones. Still, he embraced the fighter’s mindset. He said promoters could book the match if they wanted. He acknowledged Jones would likely dominate him. Yet he stressed fighters never fully rule out the impossible. That belief, he said, defines competitive hearts.
UFC Politics Could Block The Idea
Real American Freestyle has gained momentum by involving current and former UFC fighters. The promotion appears to maintain a productive relationship with the UFC. That cooperation has helped RAF grow quickly. However, the UFC has previously restricted certain cross-promotional matchups. Matt Riddle’s strained history with Dana White complicates matters further. Given those past disputes, the UFC may resist such a matchup. Protecting Jones’ legacy likely remains a top priority.
