"Dana White has Diddy tapes on DC" - Fans react to Jon Jones getting showered with high praise from lifelong rival Daniel Cormier

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier were once embroiled in a bitter feud. For this reason, the MMA fandom has collectively raised its eyebrow over Cormier's praise of Jones in a recent sitdown on episode #32 of The Bohnfire with MMA journalist Mike Bohn.

The pair conversed over 2024's most significant MMA figures and Cormier, who was tasked with compiling a top-five list, ranked Jones as the third-most significant MMA figure of the year. Cormier commended Jones for his longevity in the sport, as well as his undisputed stardom in the UFC's heavier divisions. 'DC' said:

"He has lived through three generations of fighters, and he is still headlining Madison Square Garden. It was not only that, though, why I say he made an impact. He made an impact because he beat the greatest heavyweight of all time and he made it look easy."

Check out Daniel Cormier praising Jon Jones (11:13):

Naturally, 'DC's' words drew attention. Jones fought just once this year, defending his heavyweight title for the first time against divisional GOAT Stipe Miocic. While his win was impressive, many diminished it.

Miocic being 42, inactive for over three years, and coming off a knockout loss to Francis Ngannou prior to facing 'Bones' was noted by many. A clip of Cormier's praise eventually made the rounds on X/Twitter. Fans' reaction to his words was not positive.

One tweet pointed out how humiliating it must have been for the UFC Hall of Famer to speak of Jones in such glowing terms.

"Humiliation ritual"

Others speculated that UFC CEO Dana White forced him to do so.

"I swear that Dana has Diddy tapes on DC and he's forcing him to glaze Jones all the time."

This was echoed by others.

"DC held a gunpoint by Dana RIP"

Some even dismissed Jones as being among the most impactful in 2024.

"No the f*** he isn't"

A collage of fan reactions can be seen below:

Fan reactions to Daniel Cormier praising Jon Jones

This isn't the first time that Cormier's praise of Jones has aroused suspicion among fans that he is being forced to do so.

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Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier have a storied rivalry

The exact origin of the Jon Jones-Daniel Cormier feud is unclear, but it appears to stem from a misunderstanding between the pair in their first-ever encounter. Jones allegedly joked that he could take Cormier down, to which 'DC,' as an Olympic wrestler, took offense.

Thereafter, Cormier pursued a fight with him, while accusing Jones of being a fraudulent person. They eventually fought twice, with Jones winning the first bout, while their second affair ended in a no-contest due to a positive PED test on Jones' part.