Islam Makhachev gives clear verdict on Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier wrestling clash as rivalry sparks again

Islam Makhachev is weighing in on one of the most famous rivalries in MMA. The UFC lightweight champion recently spoke about a possible wrestling match between Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones. He shared his thoughts in a new interview, and his words quickly spread across the fight world.Islam Makhachev made his view very clear. If these two legends ever meet again, wrestling is where Daniel Cormier has the best chance. He respected both men but pointed to Daniel Cormier’s strong wrestling background as the main reason.Islam Makhachev spoke with MMA Arena in an interview released this week. During the conversation, he was asked about a possible wrestling-only match between Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones. Islam Makhachev answered without hesitation.“You know, it’s one of those matchups where only in wrestling could Daniel Cormier handle Jon Jones,” Islam Makhachev said.“Jon Jones is good at wrestling, but wrestling is Daniel Cormier’s world. He is an Olympic-level athlete. That is very high level.”Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones fought twice inside the UFC Octagon. Their first fight took place in January 2015 at UFC 182 in Las Vegas. Jon Jones won that bout by unanimous decision.They met again in July 2017 at UFC 214 in Anaheim. Jon Jones won by knockout, but the result was later changed to a no contest after a failed drug test.Years later, the rivalry is back in a new way. Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones are now coaching opposite teams on the ALF MMA reality series. The show has previously featured major names such as Khamzat Chimaev, Petr Yan, Aljamain Sterling, and Nate Diaz.Their return to the same project has reopened old talk. This time, the focus is not on MMA. It is on wrestling.Daniel Cormier recently spoke about wanting to face Jon Jones on the wrestling mat. He shared his thoughts during a conversation with former UFC fighter Ben Askren.“I’m telling you, Real American Freestyle is going to see me and Jon Jones at some point,” Daniel Cormier said. “I still shoot. I still train wrestlers every single day.”Daniel Cormier believes the match could happen under the Real American Freestyle banner, a league that focuses only on elite wrestling and grappling.Meanwhile, Jon Jones has also been in the news. He has spoken about wanting to be part of the UFC White House card expected in June, tied to the America250 celebrations. Jon Jones also confirmed last year that he had come out of retirement.Nothing has been announced yet. But with both men coaching, talking, and staying active, the idea of Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones meeting again in wrestling is starting to feel more real.Also Read: Conor McGregor Targets June UFC White House Fight As Comeback Talk Grows After Viral Instagram Post