Daniel Cormier has a new angle on the latest twist in Jon Jones’s career.
The former two-division UFC titleholder recently shared that his arthritis is so advanced, he could qualify for hip replacement surgery.
Jones later explained that he believed he was speaking privately when he mentioned his arthritis. Instead, someone wearing what he described as AI-enabled glasses recorded the exchange and later published it online without informing him or getting permission first.
Daniel Cormier suspects Jon Jones injury leak was deliberate
Jon Jones spoke about his injury while discussing the idea of a wrestling match with Daniel Cormier.
Cormier suspects that his old UFC rival could be dealing with something serious enough to end his career.
But the Hall of Famer doesn’t buy the idea that Jones didn’t know he was being recorded when he talked about having arthritis.
“The moment someone starts recording, there’s a white light on the side of them,” Cormier explained on YouTube.
“You also don’t share something like that — if it’s really that private — with just anyone.”
“I think Jon knew exactly what he was doing. I think he wanted people to know about his injury, and this was how he chose to put it out there.”
“This is the first time I’m actually convinced he might have real problems with his hips. This was the video that made me believe Jon might not have anything left.
“I don’t see there being a wrestling match between us. That’s probably something people should start accepting.”
Jon Jones drops retirement hint
Jon Jones sent shockwaves through the MMA world by announcing his retirement in June 2025.
However, the 38-year-old quickly reversed his decision and expressed an interest in fighting on the UFC’s upcoming White House card.
Now, it appears Jones is again contemplating stepping away from fighting for good. “I think I could be done,” he told Fansided in a recent interview.
“I’m young enough to compete with some of the best fighters in the world. I am healthy enough to compete with some of the best fighters in the world, but I’ve always been used to competing with THE best in the world.
“That’s a really high standard to uphold. So, maybe it’s just about doing it right and getting out at a really good time. I don’t wanna be one of these fighters that wins some and loses some, and can’t remember what your name is.”
“I met a fighter a few years ago, and he didn’t know what his birthday was. That’s a lot of fighting. I’m far from that, and I don’t wanna know what that looks like.”
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