“Not on my GOAT list!” – Cormier criticizes Jon Jones for his unsavory past
The debate over the greatest fighter of all time (GOAT) in the UFC continues, but one person who refuses to place Jon Jones at the top is Daniel Cormier.
Cormier Remains Unmoved on Jon Jones’ Legacy
Despite Jones’ dominance in the sport and his heavyweight championship win at UFC 285, Cormier believes that the controversial history surrounding his former rival disqualifies him from being considered the greatest.
Cormier, a former dual-division UFC champion, has had a long-standing rivalry with Jones, facing him twice in the octagon. Their second fight at UFC 214 saw Jones claim victory with a devastating head-kick knockout, but the result was later overturned to a no contest due to Jones failing a drug test. This, along with multiple failed tests for performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) throughout his career, is why Cormier refuses to acknowledge Jones as the GOAT.
Performance-Enhancing Drugs Taint Jones’ Legacy
During a UFC 312 Q&A session in Sydney, Cormier was asked about Jones’ place in history. While he admitted Jones’ skill is undeniable, he emphasized that drug test failures prevent him from being recognized as the greatest.
“You really can’t deny his greatness, right? Look at what he has done,” Cormier said. “The guy has really fought through three generations of fighters. He fought that early generation with Lyoto Machida, went through my generation, and now he’s fighting a whole new generation of guys.
But when you do dirty sh*t, you don’t get to be called the greatest of all time.”
Jones has faced multiple suspensions and controversies due to failed drug tests. In 2017, he tested positive for turinabol, a banned steroid, after defeating Cormier in their rematch at UFC 214. The result was overturned, and Jones received a suspension. Before that, in 2016, he tested positive for estrogen blockers clomiphene and letrozole, substances often associated with PED use.
Although independent arbitrators ruled that Jones did not knowingly cheat, the stains on his record have not been forgotten by fans or his former rivals.
Cormier Admits Jones’ Skills Are Unmatched
Despite his criticism of Jones’ past controversies, Cormier did acknowledge the level of dominance Jones has displayed in the UFC.
“He has really done it all,” Cormier admitted. “He’s fought and beaten the best. But that doesn’t erase the fact that there have been multiple drug-related issues.”
Cormier also admitted that Jones’ head kick knockout at UFC 214 was the hardest strike he had ever received in a fight. Even though the result was overturned, the physical impact of the moment is something he still remembers.
The GOAT Debate Continues
The GOAT conversation in MMA remains heated, with names like Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, Khabib Nurmagomedov, and Jon Jones being thrown into the mix. Jones’ supporters argue that his accomplishments inside the octagon make him the greatest, while critics like Cormier believe that his history of failed drug tests and controversies tarnish his legacy.
While Jones continues to compete at the highest level, recently capturing the UFC heavyweight championship, Cormier remains firm in his stance. For him, the GOAT title belongs to someone whose career remains untainted by controversy.
With Jones still active and potentially adding to his legacy, the debate over his GOAT status is far from over. However, as far as Daniel Cormier is concerned, Jones’ history of ‘dirty sh*t’ will always disqualify him from the greatest of all time conversation.
