Jon Jones Agrees to Settle Score with Daniel Cormier in Grappling-Only Trilogy Match

The long-running saga between former light heavyweight and heavyweight champions Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier may finally see its conclusion — but with a twist. Jones has reportedly agreed to settle the score in a grappling-only bout rather than another cage fight, giving fans a unique showdown that diverges from their UFC trilogy history.

Here’s how this unexpected development came together — and what it could mean for both fighters, their legacy, and combat sports as a whole.

Why a Grappling Match — and Why Now

After over a decade of rivalry, clashes, and controversial endings, a third UFC fight between Jones and Cormier never materialized. The fighters moved on, McGregor moments shifted weight classes changed, and time marched on. But according to recent reports, Jones has now said yes to a proposition that would allow their rivalry to conclude ― in a grappling ring.

There are several factors fueling this decision:

• Less risk, more clarity: A grappling-only format reduces the risk of strikes, severe injury, and commission interference. It focuses purely on skill, technique, and athleticism — giving a definitive result without the unpredictability of strikes or damage.
• Fan demand and legacy closure: Fans have consistently speculated and debated what might’ve happened had the trilogy continued. This match offers closure to that storyline while preserving both fighters’ long-term health and public image.
• Charity and promotion appeal: According to some reports, the match is being framed as a charity event or special showcase rather than a standard “fight.” That adds promotional intrigue and broader appeal beyond hardcore MMA fans.

What We Know So Far — and What Is Still Unclear

Confirmed / Likely

• Jones has reportedly accepted the offer to grapple Cormier rather than fight under MMA rules.
• The match is being promoted as outside of UFC jurisdiction, which may allow more freedom in rules, weight class, and broadcast platform than a sanctioned pro MMA fight.
• Both fighters still carry immense name value. Their shared history — two legendary title fights, a heated rivalry, and deep respect — will draw eyes, no matter the format.

Still Unknown / To Be Determined

• Ruleset: Will it be no-gi grappling, gi allowed, points-based, or submission-only? That decision will significantly shape strategy.
• Weight class: Their UFC rivalry involved different weights; what weight(s) will they compete at for grappling?
• Venue & Date: No confirmed schedule yet. Major questions remain around whether it will be streamed globally, hosted in a big-arena setting, or kept intimate.
• Purpose: While charity and legacy closure are being discussed, financial incentives, sponsorship, and broadcasting details are not yet public.

Why This Bout Matters — for Them & for MMA

• Legacy-writing: For Jones, this offers a chance to resolve unfinished business with Cormier. For Cormier, it’s another opportunity to show dominance — this time in pure grappling.
• Attracting New Fans: A grappling-only match could draw interest from submission-grappling fans, MMA nostalgic fans, and those curious about high-level skills without strikes.
• Format Innovation: If successful, this could open the door to more hybrid or alternative-rules matches in the sport — bouts focused on grappling, kickboxing, or other disciplines.
• Reduced Risk, High Reward: For aging fighters or legends, such matches combine safety with spectacle — possibly extending their careers while keeping them relevant.

What to Watch For: The Key Variables

• Rules & Judging: A fair, transparent ruleset will be crucial — will wins be by submission only, or by points and control?
• Physical Condition: Both men have aged since their prime UFC days. Their conditioning and athletic readiness may decide the outcome.
• Mental Edge & Legacy Motivation: Sometimes, mental game — pride, rivalry, ego — makes the difference. After all, this fight isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about history.
• Fan Engagement & Promotion: How the fight is marketed and where it’s held could influence reception. Is this a private grappling showcase, or a major publicly-streamed event?

Final Thought

Jon Jones accepting to complete the Daniel Cormier trilogy — in grappling form — is a bold, forward-thinking move. It acknowledges their history, offers closure, and embraces innovation in combat sports. If it comes together the right way, this could be more than a one-time spectacle. It could be a blueprint for how veteran fighters close chapters while protecting their health — and for how MMA evolves into a broader combat-sports ecosystem.