Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones (Image Credits: Getty Images)

Jon Jones & Daniel Cormier Rivalry Lives On As Both Refuse To Follow Each Other

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Mar 24, 2026 1:49 PM ET

Many rivalries end after the final bell rings. However, Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier are not one of them. After his fight against Zalimkhan Yusupov, Muhammad Heybati walked out at the ALF show (Russian version of The Ultimate Fighting). He tried to do what years of rivalry, two fights, and a coaching show could not. Heybati attempted to get Jones and Cormier to follow each other on social media. However, they didn’t agree.

The attempt was genuine and delivered with the kind of hopeful sincerity that makes it impossible to be annoyed by. Heybati told both men they were stars, expressed how happy it would make him to see them connect, and essentially asked them to bury whatever remains of a rivalry that has defined both of their public identities for over a decade.

“Maybe we can become friends. Follow each other if possible. You’re stars. Yes, I’d be very happy if that happens. Everything goes through him (Translated in English),” Heybati said, asking DC and Jones. To which Jones said no, and Cormier replied, “Our relationship is fine as it is.”

A fighter tried to get Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier to follow each other but they both said no

(Via ALF Global) pic.twitter.com/qPVeRZYzde
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) March 24, 2026

From the outside, the idea of two retired legends finally hitting the follow button and moving past everything seems like a reasonable ask. From the inside of a rivalry that produced two fights, one controversial no-contest, years of genuine friction, and is now being channeled into a coaching competition on a Russian reality show, the answer was always going to be no.

Jon Jones Convinced Daniel Cormier To Stay Following The Heated TUF Russia Moment

Cormier has competed at the Olympics, won UFC championships in two divisions, and shared a cage with some of the most dangerous fighters on the planet. It takes something genuinely serious to make him consider walking away from a room. Meanwhile, DC revealed that moment.

“Nothing on this show is worth losing your life. When I see things like knives, I personally don’t wanna be here,” DC said.

Daniel Cormier nearly left the Russian TUF reality series after someone tried grabbing a knife, but Jon Jones convinced him to stay

“Nothing on this show is worth losing your life. When I see things like knives, I personally don’t wanna be here.”

(via ALF Global) pic.twitter.com/lkLP8Wbn5h
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) March 17, 2026

Cormier is not someone who frightens easily or overstates danger for effect. His entire career was built on walking toward threatening situations rather than away from them. Later, Jones convinced him to stay.

The ALF show has already produced several memorable moments. From the Jones and Cormier coaching dynamic to Heybati’s failed attempt at a social media reconciliation between the two legends.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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