The debate over the greatest fighter of all time (GOAT) in mixed martial arts continues to spark controversy, and this time, it’s UFC legend Jon Jones firing back at his longtime rival, Daniel Cormier. Jon Jones Claps Back at Daniel Cormier, “I’m Always the Co-Star” in the GOAT Debate.
On a recent episode of Club Shay Shay, Cormier recently said that Jones’ history with failed drug tests disqualifies him from being considered the greatest of all time , stating that performance-enhancing drug violations cast a shadow over his incredible achievements. In response, Jones took to social media to defend his legacy, delivering a sharp response that once again highlights the tension between the two former champions.
“When DC tells his story, somehow I’m always the co-star,“ Jones wrote. ”Thanks [Shannon Sharpe] for the invite, even if I was only there in spirit.“
Jones, widely regarded as one of the most talented fighters in MMA history, boasts a record-breaking career that includes victories over some of the sport’s greatest names. However, his legacy has often been questioned due to multiple suspensions linked to failed drug tests during his career.
Both Jones’ A and B samples came back positive following the infamous July 2017 event, where he delivered a brutal third-round knockout against Daniel Cormier in their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 214 in Anaheim. That victory was short-lived. The result was overturned to a No Contest after the failed drug tests, Jones was stripped of his light heavyweight title, and Cormier was reinstated as champion just weeks later.
This isn’t the first time controversy clouded a Jones vs. Cormier fight. The two were originally set to headline the historic UFC 200 card in July 2016, but just three days before the event, Jones was pulled after testing positive for estrogen blockers. Cormier stayed on the card and faced MMA legend Anderson Silva instead, earning a dominant unanimous decision win. Despite these setbacks, Jones took to Twitter to voice his frustration, saying that regardless of everything he’s accomplished, it stings that Cormier still calls him a cheat. For “Bones,” his success comes down to skill and ability, nothing more.
”High school state champ, JUCO national champ, youngest UFC champion, greatest in MMA history,” Jones said. “A lifetime of loss, victories and sacrifice and this guy wants to write it all off as steroids. Honestly, it’s insulting. But I can’t help but laugh, knowing it was God given abilities that made him feel so inferior.”
Jones has already re-entered the UFC’s drug-testing pool as part of his plan to make a blockbuster return at the UFC’s proposed July 4th event at the White House in 2026. However, Dana White has repeatedly shot down that idea. Still, when it comes to Jon Jones, nothing ever seems impossible. one thing is certain, the name “Bones” will always spark headlines, and the GOAT debate isn’t ending anytime soon.
