Daniel Cormier advises fans to take it easy on Jon Jones.
Daniel Cormier’s rivalry with Jon Jones was never quite put to rest, despite ‘Bones’ beating ‘DC’ at UFC 182 and KO’ing the former Olympian at UFC 214.
In light of Jones’ most recent drug testing failure, in which the 30-year-old tested positive for the steroid Turinabol, his latest win over has been overturned to a no contest and Cormier has been reinstated as the official UFC light heavyweight champion.
Many fans now doubt the legitimacy of Jones’ career and it’s anticipated that the Jackson-Wink product will face a lengthy suspension. Jones previously tested positive for clomiphene and letrozole prior to UFC 200 and was suspended for one year.
Cormier, who was shown support in the aftermath of UFC 214, says fans should do the same to Jones and show the former champ some ‘compassion.’
The American Kickboxing Academy representative made a statement on social media on Friday.
“Life can be such a roller coaster. I think sometimes you have to just take a moment and breathe it in. You never know what’s gonna come your way. You try and handle it the best way you can. One thing that has been amazing is the support from you the fans. I have never felt so much love. It’s crazy because this all happened when I lost. Guys now I call upon you to take a breathe, lay off of Jones. Let him and his team figure out what’s going on and what happened. I was down and some may have kicked me but the majority of you showed compassion and love. After the fight Jones showed compassion, regardless of what has happened as humans we must show compassion. Jon is not on this ride alone, remember this man has a family. Let’s respect that. You don’t show ur support for me by hurting others. Again I thank you for ur unbelievable support and I trust that you guys will come thru again. DC.”
Earlier this week it was announced that Jones’ B sample came back positive for Turinabol, which means the Albuquerque local could face a 4 year suspension from the California State Athletic Commission (CSAC). His longtime striking coach, Mike Winkeljohn, believes he might never return to the Octagon if handed a four-year ban.
Since the news, Jones has been removed from the UFC rankings while Cormier has moved up one spot to No. 6 in the pound-for-pound list.