Jon Jones considers the origin of his rivalry with Daniel Cormier 'silly'

Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

Jon Jones classified as ‘silly’ the cause of the animosity between him and Daniel Cormier, with whom he has been exchanging public barbs in recent months.

Originally a heavyweight, Cormier declared his intention to move down in weight, with the goal of stealing the belt that now belongs to Jones. The champion told his version of the story that started the rivalry.

“The story between us is very silly. I found him and approached him with a big smile on my face. I came in saying 'hey man, I heard you're a great wrestler' and stuff like that. He replied ‘don’t you know who I am?’. I said, 'No, I don't know, but my coaches were saying you're an Olympic-level wrestler,'" he said.

However, Jones justified his approach. “It was my way of starting a new friendship, and he was offended that I didn't know who he was. From that moment on, he decided that there would be enmity between us”, he lamented.

"But everything is fine. If this guy chose that, fine. I just think it sucks, because the two of us, as African-Americans in sports, could get along and respect each other, but that's not the case.”