Jon Jones Accepts Charity Grappling Match With Daniel Cormier
Jon Jones, the former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion, has publicly agreed to face longtime rival Daniel Cormier in a charity grappling match. The unexpected announcement reignites one of mixed martial arts’ most memorable feuds.
Jon Jones Wants a Trilogy Match Against Daniel Cormier
On November 24, 2025, Jones took to Twitter to share that he was approached with the idea of a grappling contest against Cormier for charity. Jones stated, “I was approached the other day about grappling DC for charity, I said absolutely. Let’s see what comes of it. 3-0.” This comment immediately drew attention.
Trilogy Outside the Octagon
Jones and Cormier have fought twice in the UFC, with both bouts serving as main events for championship titles. Their first encounter occurred at UFC 182 in January 2015, where Jones won by unanimous decision. The rematch at UFC 214 in July 2017 saw Jones win by knockout, though the result was later overturned to a no contest due to a failed drug test for Jones. Cormier was reinstated as champion, but the competitive tension between the two remained unchanged.
While rumors of a third MMA match have circulated for years, both fighters have stepped away from full-time competition. Jones retired from MMA after vacating his heavyweight title in 2025. Cormier, who previously retired, dismissed speculation earlier this November about an MMA trilogy fight, clarifying there were no plans to fight Jones in the cage again. The grappling match, therefore, presents a fresh opportunity for the pair to face off, but under a different rule set.
Jones has demonstrated his grappling skills in the cage and also in competitive submission events. He is the only fighter to have taken Cormier down during an MMA match, a noteworthy feat given Cormier’s Olympic wrestling background. Jones also competed and won in Submission Underground, defeating Dan Henderson with an arm-triangle choke in 2016.
Daniel Cormier built his grappling foundation as a three-time Louisiana state wrestling champion before compiling a 52-10 record at Oklahoma State with 36 bonus-point wins. He made two NCAA tournament appearances and finished as runner-up at 184 pounds in 2001, losing to eventual four-time champion Cael Sanderson. On the international stage, Cormier represented the U.S. six times between 2003 and 2008, earning a bronze medal at the 2007 World Championships and placing fourth at the 2004 Olympics and qualified in 2008.
Though details of the charity event are still being organized, the concept of two all-time greats facing off for a good cause offers broad appeal. The move would raise funds and awareness while providing fans closure to a rivalry that helped define both men’s careers.
The Future of the Rivalry
While nothing is set in stone, Jones’ acceptance and Cormier’s openness to alternate forms of competition signal that the event has momentum. This grappling match would mark the third installment in their rivalry, taking place outside the usual MMA environment.
