Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier Set to Reignite Legendary Rivalry as Rival Coaches on ALF Reality
One of the most intense rivalries in mixed martial arts history is set to take on a new chapter. Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier are reportedly going head to head once again, this time as opposing coaches on the upcoming season of ALF Reality, often referred to as the Russian version of The Ultimate Fighter.
The announcement has instantly sparked debate and nostalgia among MMA fans, with many remembering just how personal and explosive their rivalry was during their fighting careers. While they are no longer competing inside the Octagon, the competitive tension between the two has never truly disappeared.
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A Rivalry That Defined an Era
Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier first crossed paths in 2014, at a time when both were at the peak of their powers in the light heavyweight division. Their rivalry was not just about championships, but about contrasting personalities, styles, and worldviews. Jones was the prodigious talent widely considered one of the most gifted fighters the sport had ever seen, while Cormier was the Olympic wrestler turned MMA champion who built his legacy on discipline, grit, and consistency.
Their first fight took place at UFC 182 in January 2015, where Jones defended his light heavyweight title with a unanimous decision victory. Despite the clear result on the scorecards, the bout was fiercely contested and physically punishing, setting the tone for what would become one of the UFC’s most talked-about feuds.
The rivalry reached its most dramatic point at UFC 214 in July 2017. Jones knocked Cormier out with a head kick in the third round, reclaiming the light heavyweight title in emphatic fashion. However, the result was later overturned to a no contest after Jones failed a post-fight drug test, a development that only deepened the bitterness between the two and left fans endlessly debating what the rivalry’s true legacy should be.
Beyond the fights themselves, their animosity was visible in press conferences, interviews, and even backstage altercations. Few rivalries in MMA history felt as genuine or as emotionally charged, and that authenticity is a major reason why their names remain forever linked.
Now, years removed from their last clash, Jones and Cormier will square off again in a very different arena. As coaches on ALF Reality, they will be responsible for shaping the next generation of fighters, all while their competitive instincts inevitably clash. For fans, the appeal lies not just in nostalgia, but in seeing how two legendary champions approach leadership, strategy, and mentorship.
While there may never be a third fight, this coaching showdown ensures that the Jones vs Cormier story is far from over.
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