Daniel Cormier: Why Jon Jones won’t wrestle me despite massive financial offer

Daniel Cormier believes Jon Jones will not accept a wrestling match against him, despite a lucrative seven-figure offer from ALF (the Russian version of "The Ultimate Fighter"). Cormier and Jones recently served as rival coaches on the show's final season, and ALF boss Alfredo Auditore announced the promotion had nearly finalized terms for a wrestling-only bout.

Cormier expressed confidence on social media that he would defeat Jones 10–0 in a wrestling match. "I know it, and he knows it," Cormier said, arguing that Jones's refusal stems from their mutual understanding of the outcome. The 47-year-old former champion stated he would readily accept the seven-figure payday to compete under those terms.

Cormier (22–3) and Jones (28–1) share one of mixed martial arts' most storied rivalries. Jones won their first meeting via unanimous decision at UFC 182 in 2015 to defend his light heavyweight title. Their 2017 rematch at UFC 214 saw Jones knock out Cormier, but the result was overturned to a no-contest after Jones tested positive for a banned substance. The two have since maintained their contentious relationship, making any negotiated matchup—combat sport or otherwise—a subject of intense interest.