Regardless of what the outcome would have been, many were wondering what would be in store following the main event of UFC 214 where either Jon Jones or Daniel Cormier would leave Anaheim, California as the light heavyweight champion.Their feud will go down as one of the most bitter yet entertaining in UFC history, as the two showcased a genuine hatred for the other and never wasted an opportunity to try and get under the other’s skin.
UFC 214
DC poked fun at Bones’ personal issues, using cocaine and anti-doping violation jibes while Jones never saw Cormier as the true champion – as it’s a title he never lost.
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Still, it’s Jones who had the last laugh on Saturday night as he became the first man in history to stop Cormier with a brilliant third-round knockout which all came about because of a perfectly timed head kick; followed by some vicious ground and pound.
The image of Cormier in tears spoke volumes, as he admitted that should he lose to Jones for the second time, then there would be no rivalry and fans hoping of a trilogy probably won’t get to witness that now.
We’ve never seen or heard Jones or Cormier genuinely praise each other without throwing a cheap shot in there, but with this feud no effectively over, Jones stepped up to seemingly squash their beef once and for all, despite the hatred they have both shown.
Jones went on to commend Cormier on the true champion that he is, how he’s a role model, and how he aspires to be like the man he once despised.
END OF THE RIVALRY
Speaking after the fight, Jones said: “I want to take this time to thank Daniel Cormier for being my biggest rival and motivator.
“Daniel Cormier, guys, he has absolutely no reason to hang his head. He has been a model champion, a model husband, a model father, a teammate, leader, and I aspire to be more like that man.
“Because he is an amazing human being. Unfortunately, we’re opponents, but outside of that, he is a true champion for the rest of his life.”
The raw emotion both men showed during their post-fight interviews is one of the biggest reasons why fans love this cruel sport, and even if you didn’t like Cormier during the build-up to the fight, it’s hard not to feel bad for him during his interview with Joe Rogan.
A disconsolate Cormier said: “I don’t know, man. I guess… If you win both fights there is no rivalry. So, I don’t know.”
While Jones remained classy in his approach, many on Twitter were questioning why Cormier was interviewed in the first place, as it was a horrible time to ask him anything regarding the loss and the feud.
What did you make of Jon Jones’ message to Daniel Cormier? Have YOUR say in the comments section below.
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