In the aftermath of UFC 315, fans were hit with two bombshell headlines — one from the UFC matchmaking desk, and the other from the legacy vaults of one of the sport’s greatest rivalries.

First, Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena was rumored for a blockbuster champion-vs-champion clash. Second, speculation reignited that Daniel Cormier may have turned down a trilogy fight with Jon Jones before retiring. Naturally, Cormier had a lot to say.

Appearing on ESPN’s “DC & RC”, the former double champion pulled no punches.

On Islam vs. Della Maddalena: “It’s Bold… but it’s wrong timing”

While fans are hyped about the potential clash between Makhachev — the reigning lightweight king — and Della Maddalena, the rising welterweight striker, Cormier questioned the decision to bypass the entire lightweight contender queue.

“Look, I respect Jack. He’s earned his name. But we’ve got guys like Arman Tsarukyan, Charles Oliveira, and Mateusz Gamrot waiting. This feels more like a spectacle than a sport,” Cormier said.

He went on to explain why this booking could hurt the division’s integrity:

“You can’t just skip the line every time someone has hype. If Islam wants legacy, he’s got to clear out his division — that’s how Khabib did it. Della Maddalena should be fighting for the welterweight belt, not jumping into lightweight for a superfight.”

Still, DC admitted the matchup is stylistically fascinating:

“Islam’s grappling versus Jack’s clean boxing? That’s must-see TV. But it’s just… strange. It’s like we’re trying to skip levels.”

On Turning Down Jon Jones: “Let me set the record straight.”

Recently, rumors resurfaced that Daniel Cormier was offered a trilogy fight against Jon Jones after his loss at UFC 241 to Stipe Miocic — and that he turned it down. Some critics even accused DC of dodging Jones in the final chapter.

Cormier, always the professional, responded directly:

“I didn’t turn down Jon Jones. What I turned down was fighting him at heavyweight after I had just lost my belt. I wanted closure at 205, where we had history. But Jon wasn’t willing to come back down.”

He clarified that the UFC never formally offered the trilogy:

“There was talk. That’s all. No contract, no negotiation. And at that time, I was dealing with back injuries and thinking about my family. Fighting Jon again, after everything? I had nothing left to prove. I’d already made peace with that rivalry.”

DC also made it clear he holds no animosity:

“Jon’s the best. I don’t take that away from him. But our story ended in the octagon already. It didn’t need a third chapter.”

Cormier’s Bigger Message: Legacy Over Ego

More than anything, Cormier’s tone was one of reflection and maturity. While he remains deeply involved in the fight game as a commentator and analyst, he emphasized the importance of knowing when to walk away.

“Fighters don’t always need one more. Sometimes, you just need the right ending.”

And as for Islam? DC is still confident his longtime teammate can reign for years — as long as he keeps focused: