Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier wrestling match 'a dream' says RAF official

Real American Fighting officials still want Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier on the wrestling mat, but the promotion's talent relations head acknowledges the odds are long.

Lance Palmer, who runs RAF's talent department and competes at RAF 10 against Aaron Pico in August, told MMA Fighting that a wrestling match between the former UFC rivals remains "a dream matchup" that hinges on circumstances outside the promotion's control. "I think if they both really wanted to do it, we could make it happen," Palmer said, before noting that Jones's arthritis issues and Cormier's years away from competition present serious hurdles.

Why Jones and Cormier on the wrestling mat remains unlikely

Jones appeared at RAF 9 in Dallas this May alongside Gable Steveson and expressed interest in returning to the sport he competed in before his MMA career. Cormier, a two-time Olympian now 47 years old, has publicly dismissed the idea that Jones would accept such a match and promised to dominate him if it happened. Palmer pointed to Chris Weidman and Frankie Edgar as examples of retired MMA fighters stepping back onto wrestling mats in their 40s, suggesting the path exists for Jones and Cormier to follow.

Jones recently pursued a spot on the UFC White House card but was turned down. His hip arthritis, which he has discussed openly, could complicate training for a wrestling-specific event. Palmer said the decision ultimately rests with the fighters themselves, not with RAF matchmakers trying to force the bout.

RAF celebrates its one-year anniversary with a card in Cleveland in August, where Palmer expects several marquee announcements but remains uncertain whether Jones-Cormier will be among them.

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — RAF official calls Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier ‘a dream matchup’ but only happens if ‘all the stars align’ | MMA Fighting