Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier announced as coaches for the Russian MMA Reality Show

Jones and Cormier will appear as counter-coaches on an MMA reality show. | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com

It looks like Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier will renew their rivalry as opposing coaches on a mixed martial arts reality show.On Monday, ALF Reality announced via social media that Jones and Cormier will coach on the third version of the show. Notable names like Nate Diaz, Petr Yan, Khamzat Chimaev and Aljamain Sterling have been coaches on the Russian show in recent years. A date for the new season was not announced.

Jones was part of a recent season where Nate Diaz was involved in a brawl with one of the participating fighters. Diaz, Jake Shields and the rest of the team would leave the set and as a result return home to California. Jones was not involved in the incident.

Tense history

Jones and Cormier had one of the most intense rivalries in UFC history. They initially met in a light heavyweight title fight at UFC 182, with Jones winning via unanimous decision. “Bones” would also win the rematch via third-round stoppage at UFC 214, but the result was overturned to a no-contest after Jones failed a drug test.Their animosity was clearly visible outside the Octagon, including a brawl at a media day event in 2014, followed by an infamous hot mic interaction during an interview with both men on ESPN shortly afterwards. Over the years, Jones and Cormier have continued to take shots at each other on social media and through various interviews.

Jones, who is widely regarded as perhaps the greatest light heavyweight of all time, returned in 2023 to capture UFC heavyweight gold. He defended the title once against Stipe Miocic in 2024 before retiring again earlier this year. “Bones” ended his retirement with plans to compete in the UFC White House event scheduled for June, although it remains unclear whether his wish to compete will be granted.

Cormier retired from MMA in 2020 and is a constant presence at UFC events as an analyst. Although he never got the upper hand over Jones, ‘DC’ won titles at light heavyweight and heavyweight during a memorable Octagon stint.