Daniel Cormier is questioning the motive behind Jon Jones’ arthritis diagnosis becoming public.
A video shared last week by TikTok user Noah The Boah, seemingly recorded discreetly with Meta Glasses, showed Jones in a backstage exchange with Joaquin Buckley at a Dirty Boxing event, where he disclosed that he is dealing with severe arthritis.
The former two-division UFC champion added that the condition is serious enough to make him eligible for a hip replacement and is the primary reason he is reluctant to continue fighting.
“Bones” was later asked if he would be open to a wrestling trilogy against longtime rival Cormier under the RAF banner, but he reiterated that he is dealing with a serious medical condition.
After the clip circulated across social media, Jones publicly stated that his arthritis admission was made during what he believed to be a private conversation and that he was unaware it was being recorded or shared without his consent. The 38-year-old American also noted that the UFC is aware of his situation and that he remains eager to compete at the UFC White House event in June.
Meanwhile, Daniel Cormier has voiced reservations about Jon Jones’ claim that his private conversation was leaked.
Daniel Cormier Claims Jon Jones’ Arthritis Leak Was Calculated
In a recent video on his YouTube channel, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier acknowledged that Jon Jones is apparently battling a serious arthritis condition that could potentially threaten his career.
However, “DC” made it clear that he does not buy Jones’ claim that he was unaware of being recorded while discussing his medical situation.
It’s very easy to tell if you’re being recorded with the Meta glasses,” Cormier said. “They’ve got a white light on the side of the glasses the moment they start recording. They’ve got a white light on the side of the glasses the moment they start recording. Information like that, if it’s that close to the vest, you don’t share it with some random, either.”
Cormier went on to suggest that “Bones” may be finished with his competitive career due to the severity of his hip condition.
For the first time, I actually believe that he might have some true issues with his hips. I believe Jon Jones is hurt. That was the video that made me believe that Jon Jones doesn’t have anything left. There will be no wrestling match between him and I. So, I think that people should start to get ready for.”
