RAF official calls Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier ‘a dream matchup’ but only happens if ‘all the stars align’

A wrestling match between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier remains a tantalizing possibility for the RAF (Raw Athletic Federation), though officials acknowledge it would require ideal circumstances to materialize.

The two fighters share one of mixed martial arts' most acrimonious rivalries, having clashed multiple times in the UFC octagon. Now, with both semi-retired from combat sports, the RAF has explored the prospect of bringing them together on the wrestling mat—a return to their roots before full-time MMA careers. Cormier, a two-time Olympic wrestler at age 47, has already been retired from competition for several years, while Jones, the former UFC two-division champion, recently appeared at RAF 9 in Dallas and expressed interest in returning to wrestling.

Lance Palmer, RAF's head of talent relations and a competitor himself at the upcoming RAF 10 against Aaron Pico, told MMA Fighting that making the bout happen would demand "all the stars align." He acknowledged the logistical and personal hurdles: Cormier has publicly dismissed the idea, claiming Jones would never accept a wrestling match with him, while Jones has dealt with hip arthritis—a potential serious concern for wrestling training and competition.

"There's a lot of moving parts that would have to be made right for it to happen," Palmer said, emphasizing that both fighters would need genuine desire to pursue it. He noted that the RAF has successfully brought retired MMA fighters back to wrestling, citing examples like Chris Weidman, Frankie Edgar, and Urijah Faber, who have returned to the sport where they first fell in love with competition as children.

With the RAF marking its one-year anniversary with a major card planned for Cleveland in August, Palmer remains hopeful but realistic. Ultimately, he says, the decision rests with Jones and Cormier themselves. For now, it remains a compelling "what if" rather than a confirmed matchup.