Islam Makhachev predicts that Daniel Cormier would beat Jon Jones in pure wrestling. Cormier and Jones have shared one of the most bitter rivalries in UFC history. However, they finally have a chance to mend their relationship as they star as rival coaches in Season 3 of ALF Reality. Cormier recently said he would “kick Jones’ ass” in a conventional wrestling match.
And Cormier’s friend Makhachev agrees. While Makhachev respects Jones’ wrestling, he believes wrestling is Cormier’s bread and butter. A top wrestler himself, Makhachev notes that Cormier has competed in the highest level of wrestling, the Olympics.
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“Only in wrestling could Cormier handle Jones,” Makhachev told MMA Arena. “Because Jones is good at wrestling, but wrestling is Cormier’s element. He’s an Olympic-level guy. That’s a very high level.”Cormier finished fourth at the 2004 Olympics in the 96-kilogram freestyle category. While he was team captain for the 2008 Olympics, he was unable to compete due to injury. Meanwhile, Cormier suffered a unanimous decision loss to Jones in their first outing at UFC 182 in 2015. While Jones finished Cormier in their rematch at UFC 214 in 2017, the result was overturned to a no-contest due to “Bones” failing a drug test.
Islam Makhachev says Daniel Cormier could only beat Jon Jones in wrestling 🤼♂️🔥
“Only in wrestling could Cormier handle Jones, because Jones is good at wrestling, but wrestling is Cormier’s element. He’s an Olympic-level guy. That’s a very high level.”
(Via: MMA Arena) pic.twitter.com/YUUlNtd03D
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA)
January 6, 2026
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