The unthinkable finally became the inevitable. Caught in another public relations quagmire from its pound-for-pound king, the UFC announced Tuesday that it was stripping Jon Jones of the light heavyweight title that Jones has held over four years and eight historic defenses. Anthony Johnson and Daniel Cormier will now collide on May 23 at UFC 187 for the legitimate UFC light heavyweight belt, not an interim, while Jones will be suspended indefinitely due to his alleged role in a bizarre hit-and-run accident that left a pregnant victim with a fractured wrist and arm.
It’s been said for years, but in the end it proved to be prophetic: the only man capable of ending Jon Jones’ legendary title run was Jones himself.
Fight is on- Johnson vs Cormier for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship http://t.co/GpezPubr3d
— Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) April 29, 2015
Proud the @ufc took a stand and did what’s right
— Scott jorgensen (@Scottjorgensen) April 29, 2015
Stripped and suspended! Damn! That will make you fix shit!
— tim means (@MeansTim) April 29, 2015
Crazy news these last few days, congrats to @dc_mma for the opportunity. #UFC187 just got a great main event.
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) April 29, 2015
Being a champion isn’t just about winning fights. This was the right decision by the @ufc for the sport and for Jon.
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) April 29, 2015
God bless my bro @JonnyBones. #thatsall
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) April 29, 2015
Not enormously surprised at the title being stripped but I am at the timing. Strong statement from UFC.
— Brian Stann (@BrianStann) April 29, 2015
Thank you @ufc and @danawhite good call.
— Erik Jon Koch (@NEWBREED04) April 29, 2015
Yea!! @DC_MMA fighting @Anthony_Rumble for the Championship at #UFC187!!
— Mike Quick Swick (@officialswick) April 29, 2015
Oh damn @dc_mma is now fighting @Anthony_Rumble at @ufc ufc 187 im even more excited for the card now
— sheldon westcott (@sheldonwestcott) April 29, 2015
Happy for @dc_mma he’s truly one of the good guys in the sport.Can’t wait to see him with that @ufc gold.Gonna be a great night #UFC187
— Gian Villante (@GPVillante) April 29, 2015
DC in #UFC187 Yeeeeeaaa!! @dc_mma @ufc @CowboyWrestling @team_munoz
— Mark Muñoz (@mark_munoz) April 29, 2015
The @ufc stripping Jones, and putting @dc_mma against @Anthony_Rumble for the title is a perfect move. Exactly what I’d have done.
— Sean McCorkle (@BigSexyMcCorkle) April 29, 2015
Holy #%^+ !!!!!! https://t.co/Bp9TCQ4uDJ
— Nik Lentz (@NikLentz) April 29, 2015
I really hope @JonnyBones takes this punishment not as a negative but a positive and takes this time off to get help. #peaceandblessings
— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) April 29, 2015
The UFC should have taken action when he got popped for coke, not let him fight Cormier, suspended him and forced him to get help.
— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) April 29, 2015
Jon is his own person I get that but prevention measures could have been shown and taken in order to get him help before this point
— Will Brooks (@illwillbrooks86) April 29, 2015
Good decision @danawhite @ufc pic.twitter.com/c6R4ab3unu
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) April 29, 2015
They call me mini-jones. Dana should’ve called me up to fill in for the title shot AJ!
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) April 29, 2015
Jones has made quite a few mistakes recent. Hope he gets it together. Remember what’s important, Faith and FAMILY.
— Jesse Juarez (@JesseJuarezmma) April 29, 2015
Great Match up @UFC I can’t wait 2 see this one https://t.co/pxQ2QB6jsi
— Quinton Jackson (@Rampage4real) April 29, 2015
All the best to @JonnyBones . l hope he gets his act together. He has the potential to be a huge star of stars. The top is a lonely place.
— Brett Cooper (@BrettCoopermma) April 29, 2015
Sounds a little similar to Johnny Tapia. #RIP Albuquerque, Prize Fighting star, Cocaine addiction. Is it the area or just a coincidence?
— MIKE RICHMAN (@MikeUSMCRichman) April 29, 2015
Looks like I’m going to have to get my fat ass back in the gym tomorrow. LETS GET IT DC @dc_mma #TeamAKA ??
— Luke Rockhold (@LukeRockhold) April 29, 2015
The @ufc going to lose a lot of money but much respect for @lorenzofertitta @dc_mma for the making the right decision
— khabib nurmagomedov (@TeamKhabib) April 29, 2015
Got a lot of soul searching to do. Sorry to everyone I’ve let down.
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) April 29, 2015