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The UFC pulled off a hilarious prank on commentator and pundit Daniel Cormier in the build-up to UFC 285.
Daniel Cormier, who has previously fought Jones twice, retired from the sport in 2020 and joined the UFC commentary and broadcast team. Since retiring, Cormier has been an integral part of the commentator's desk and has even helped train champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. During a broadcast on ESPN, the producers played a prank on the former double champ.
His introductory tag on the screen read:
"Daniel Cormier: Only Allowed To Work Because Jon Jones Approved it"
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Take a look at the screenshot from the broadcast:
Cormier and Jones were sworn rivals and although the bad blood between the pair has not vanished, they share a mutual respect for each other. 'Bones' is just days away from his return to the octagon after a three-year hiatus. The former light heavyweight champion is looking to conquer the heavyweight division and in his first fight back, he will fight for the title.
Jon Jones originally looked to fight Francis Ngannou for the title, but 'The Predator' vacated his belt and left the UFC to set up a title match between Ciryl Gane and Jon Jones.
Daniel Cormier shares an essay he wrote on Jon Jones' return for UFC 285
Daniel Cormier wrote an essay for his former rival Jon Jones as he makes his return to the Octagon this weekend at UFC 285. As part of the UFC's commentary and broadcasting team, Cormier often has to write essays for fight promos or previews. He shared an essay he wrote for Jones on Twitter in which he reminds the audience of all his accomplishments, and then says:
"You could love him or you could hate him, it's impossible to discredit what Jones has done in the UFC. For as much as I want to, I can't even deny it. And even though he's making his return to try and get the one belt that I had, and he didn't hold, guys remember, it's not simultaneous."
Daniel Cormier's essay praised Jon Jones and even included a subtle dig at his former rival for not holding the light heavyweight and heavyweight belts simultaneously. The pair now share a mutual respect for each other, and in the essay, Cormier even stated that despite what the records show, he knows he lost to 'Bones' twice.
Take a look at the video:
