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

'The Octagon Was Shaking': Daniel Cormier Recalls The Madness Of The Jon Jones Rematch

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports | By Pavan Sharma | Last updated Feb 6, 2026 1:10 PM ET

There is no doubt that Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones have one of the biggest rivalries in UFC history. Meanwhile, DC described the intensity of fighting Jones in Anaheim during their 2017 rematch. Their horrible rivalry created an atmosphere so electric it felt like the octagon was shaking from the crowd going crazy.

DC shared he was so locked into fighting that his pre-fight routine became automatic, walk into the ring, slap the side, get to his corner, move his head, box a little bit. Despite being nervous backstage, once inside the octagon he didn’t want to be anywhere else in the world. He felt great in that moment despite the pressure, animosity, and stakes.

He said, “We have a horrible rivalry. It felt like the octagon was shaking. Seriously, people were going so crazy. It felt like almost like the octagon was shaking. And it was like I was so in fighting, in fights, I was so locked into her that I would walk into the ring, I would slap the side, get to my corner, kind of move my head, box a little bit…As nervous as I was in the back, now I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in this world.”

“It felt like the Octagon was shaking. People were going so crazy.”

DC on how intense the Jon Jones rematch was.

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— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 6, 2026

Ironically, that fight ended with Jones knocking DC out via head kick, then getting overturned to no-contest after failing a drug test. The spiritual fulfillment Cormier felt was destroyed by the result and subsequent controversy.

Even knowing Jones had beaten him before, even feeling the hatred between them, DC wanted to be nowhere else. Meanwhile, Cormier wants Jones for a wrestling showdown at RAF but ‘Bones’ dismisses it.

Jon Jones Shuts Down Daniel Cormier Wrestling Showdown Citing Health Issues

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

Jones turned down Cormier’s wrestling challenge at the RAF. He said he has bad arthritis that many people don’t know about. His left hip is full of arthritis, and doctors have already said he needs a hip replacement. During his last training camp, he went to bed in a lot of pain. He also said he has a three-year-old son and wants to take care of what is left of his hips.

In his words, “I have severe arthritis. And most people don’t know that. My left hip is covered in arthritis. I actually already qualified for a hip replacement. My last training camp, dude, I went to bed in so much pain. I have a 3-year-old baby boy. And I want to use what I got left of my hips.”

Meanwhile, despite his health issues, Jones is still eyeing a return to the White House card. Even though he retired last year and is dealing with injuries, he wants to represent America at the historic event.

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

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