Daniel Cormier: Arman Tsarukyan's Fight Against Mauricio Ruffy Strengthens His Title Case Daniel Cormier has expressed confidence that Arman Tsarukyan’s recent decision to face Mauricio Ruffy in a five-round co-main event at UFC 331 will solidify his position as a top contender for a title shot. Cormier, a former UFC heavyweight champion, highlighted Tsarukyan’s commitment to proving himself in the lightweight division after withdrawing from his scheduled title fight against Islam Makhachev. The 23-3 MMA, 10-2 UFC fighter initially pulled out of the UFC 311 matchup due to a back injury, a move that sparked speculation about his future in the division. Since then, Tsarukyan has taken steps to rebuild his credibility, including a swift submission victory over Dan Hooker in November. Cormier noted that Tsarukyan had previously confirmed plans to face Charles Oliveira in a rematch at UFC 331, which was set for September 19 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. However, the event’s lineup shifted when Oliveira’s teammate, Allan Nascimento, passed away tragically. Oliveira opted out of the fight, and Tsarukyan was instead paired with rising contender Mauricio Ruffy, a 14-2 MMA, 5-1 UFC fighter known for his resilience and recent performance at the White House Fight Night. Cormier emphasized that Tsarukyan’s acceptance of the Ruffy fight demonstrates his willingness to embrace challenges, a trait that could make him more appealing to UFC executives. “Arman Tsarukyan saying yes to this fight I believe strengthens his case over anything,” Cormier said on his YouTube channel. “The one thing that made it hard for Arman to get that title shot that so many people feel he deserves is because of the way the last fight that he was scheduled with Islam went down.#daniel_cormier #crypto_com_arena #arman_tsarukyan #mauricio_ruffy #ufc_331
Daniel Cormier brands Jon Jones fat in heated face-off during reality TV taping: ‘You cheated’ Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones’ long-standing rivalry has resurfaced during a new reality TV show, with the pair exchanging sharp words and accusations during a taping session. The two former UFC heavyweight champions, who have clashed repeatedly in the sport, are now competing as coaches on the show, reigniting tensions that date back to their 2014 feud. Their latest confrontation, captured in a recent episode, highlights the unresolved animosity between the fighters. The rivalry began in 2014 when Cormier and Jones faced off in a highly controversial title fight, with Jones winning by split decision. However, Cormier later claimed the outcome was unfair, citing a failed drug test that led to the second fight between them being overturned. During the latest taping, Cormier reiterated his stance, arguing that Jones’ second victory over him was invalid due to the failed test. “He cheated the second time so he didn’t win,” Cormier said, challenging Jones’ claim of a 3-0 record against him. Jones, in turn, dismissed Cormier’s argument, insisting that his own record against the former champion remains 1-0. The tension escalated further when Jones mocked Cormier’s current physical condition, joking about his weight. Cormier responded by accusing Jones of trying to hide his gut after bulking up for heavyweight competition. “He tries to pull his shirt and s—” Cormier said, adding that if they were to fight during the show, he would “probably drown” Jones in the pool due to the fight being at a more natural weight. The exchange underscored the deep-seated bitterness between the fighters, with Cormier suggesting a potential rematch in a grappling or RAF Wrestling contest rather than a full MMA fight.#ufc #jon_jones #daniel_cormier #reality_tv_show #heavyweight_champions
Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier Reunite on ALF Reality 3 Amid Feud Tensions Legendary UFC rivals Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier reignited their long-standing feud during a recent episode of ALF Reality 3, a Russian MMA television show filmed in Thailand. The two former two-division UFC champions, who had previously clashed in the Octagon, returned as coaches on the show, sparking a surreal faceoff that quickly went viral. Despite their history of intense competition, the pair shared moments of camaraderie, including lighthearted exchanges, as seen in newly released footage from the set. While the show’s filming concluded with a cordial tone, tensions resurfaced in the weeks that followed. Jones criticized Cormier, calling him a “d——” and accusing him of mistreating fellow coaches. Cormier, in turn, proposed a wrestling match against Jones, though Jones recently admitted that arthritis will likely prevent him from competing in combat sports for the foreseeable future. Despite this, Jones remains determined to return to the UFC, with negotiations ongoing for a potential appearance on the upcoming UFC White House card this summer. The two fighters, who last faced off in the Octagon during their historic trilogy, have not competed since Jones successfully defended his heavyweight title against Stipe Miocic at UFC 309. Cormier, meanwhile, retired from MMA after a trilogy loss to Miocic in 2020. While a return to the Octagon between the two is unlikely, their dynamic remains charged, with Jones expressing no intention to reconcile with Cormier. Despite their history of hostility, the pair’s interactions on the show revealed a complex relationship. While Jones and Cormier have traded sharp words, they also found moments of humor, suggesting that their rivalry, though fierce, is not entirely devoid of mutual respect.#thailand #ufc #jon_jones #daniel_cormier #alf_reality_3
Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier's long-standing rivalry resurfaces as the two UFC legends clash during their coaching stint on Russia’s version of Ultimate Fighter. The tension between the former rivals, who once competed in the octagon, has reignited after a heated exchange on set, reigniting questions about whether their animosity can be contained in a reality show setting. The incident occurred during a segment where the pair, now serving as coaches for the ALF Global Reality show, engaged in a playful yet pointed back-and-forth. Jones, known for his brash personality, jokingly remarked about Cormier’s current weight, prompting Cormier to retort with a jab at Jones’ physique. The exchange, while lighthearted, underscored the unresolved friction between the two fighters, who had previously clashed both in and out of the cage. The rivalry between Jones and Cormier, which dates back to their days in the UFC, has been a focal point of the sport for years. Their on-set banter, however, was not entirely unexpected, given the history of conflict on reality shows. Earlier in the season, Nate Diaz’s team had faced a violent incident on set, raising concerns about the safety of participants. This context adds a layer of tension to the current exchange, as both fighters are acutely aware of the potential for things to escalate. Jones, ever the provocateur, quipped about the risks of an on-set fight, suggesting that Cormier’s natural weight class would give him an advantage. Cormier, in turn, mocked Jones’ attempts to hide his physique, highlighting the ongoing dynamic between the two. The conversation, while humorous, reflects the deep-seated competitiveness that has defined their relationship for years.#jon_jones #daniel_cormier #ufc #alf_global_reality #ultimate_fighter
