UFC CEO Dana White stated that the rivalry between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier remains the most significant and dramatic in the history of the promotion.
According to White, this particular feud stands out among all the title and landmark matchups he has ever organized. "It is definitely the greatest rivalry of all the ones I've had in the UFC," said the head of the organization in a conversation with journalists.
Dana especially remembered the start of their legendary saga—the famous altercation in the MGM Grand hotel lobby before the first fight. According to him, the most difficult task in such moments is not to take a beautiful photo for the press, but to keep two highly motivated and emotional fighters from getting into a real fight right there on the spot. "You stand between them and realize: if even one feels disrespected—it's over, they no longer care who's in front of them and what authority they have," noted White.
The first bout between Jones and Cormier took place in January 2015—Jones won by unanimous decision. The rematch occurred in July 2017—Jones knocked out Cormier in the third round, but later the result was aned due to Jon's positive doping test.
