Tag: daniel cormier

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier Should Ramp Up, Not Pause, Their Verbal Exchanges

On Aug. 12, Jon Jones poured a huge bucket of ice water on the MMA community when he pulled out of his UFC 178 grudge match with Daniel Cormier. Unfortunately, no associated charity dollars appear to be forthcoming. Only sadness.
This was supposed to b…

On Aug. 12, Jon Jones poured a huge bucket of ice water on the MMA community when he pulled out of his UFC 178 grudge match with Daniel Cormier. Unfortunately, no associated charity dollars appear to be forthcoming. Only sadness.

This was supposed to be the biggest fight of 2014. Easy. The best fighter in the world in Jones against arguably one of the top light heavyweights on earth with the bona fides to beat him. Also, they really, really don’t like each other, as evidenced by the constant trash talk, both in public and semiprivate, and the scrum that tore down a backdrop at UFC 178 media day.

So yes, there’s plenty of subtext and vitriol fueling this matchup. It’s a caustic and exciting thing. And fans will still get it, even if they’ll now have to wait until Jan. 3.

But since Jones announced his ankle sprain and torn meniscus, things have grown markedly calmer. Cormier‘s reaction was magnanimous, almost genteel. 

Boooooo!

It shouldn’t be this way. In the real world, it’s the right thing to do. MMA is a lot of things, but the real world it is not, for about eleventeen hundred different reasons.

Everyone understands that injuries are beyond anyone’s control and never something an athlete wants. But does an injury mean that the hype train should be braked in its tracks? No, it does not. Especially in this case, when a cage fight was proving magnetic enough to attract the first iron filings of mainstream attention.

If anything, the parties involved should use this time to further escalate the tensions. Don’t just let it all boil away like it was never substantive in the first place, then conveniently pick it up when the fight date gets closer again and both sides have consented to restarting verbal volleys. No one enjoys that, and it makes the dislike (real or not) less credible, too. So instead, it should be full steam ahead.

Now, should they insert themselves into every news cycle? No. But you can still keep the grudge in front of people. Just drop some hate into every interview. To wit (quotes entirely made up):

Interviewer: “Hey, Jon Jones, how’s your injury rehab coming?”

Jones: “Great. Oh, and here’s something interesting, I’m going to smash Daniel Cormier. He sullied my good name! He’s a pretender to the throne! I apologize to all the fans out there for this delay because of my injury, but most of all, I apologize to DC for prolonging his inevitable destruction.”

See? Not hard.

Both guys could get teammates to carry the water for them as well. Imagine Donald Cerrone or Carlos Condit casually mentioning the matchup on behalf of their training teammate Jones.

Or better yet, imagine Cain Velasquez, the UFC heavyweight champion and one of Cormier‘s best friends, weighing in on the situation. Interviewing Velasquez is like interviewing an ill-strung tennis racket. So what if Velasquez actually, you know, said something?

“Fabricio Werdum is just another opponent. I have a job to do, and he’s the next person in my way. It’s completely unlike Daniel Cormier with Jon Jones. Man, DC hates that guy” (quote entirely made up).

Remember when Muhammad Ali challenged Joe Frazier to an impromptu fight at the Philadelphia Police Athletic League gym? Frazier no-showed, and Ali had a field day. What if Cormier dropped in on Albuquerque and pulled something like that?

“JON JONES DOESN’T WANT TO SEE DANIEL CORMIER! I AM THE MUHAMMAD ALI OF THIS SPORT! NOT JON JONES! JON JONES’ KNEE IS JUST FINE! HE’S SCARED, EVERYBODY! HE’S A STICK IN THE MUD AND A MICROPHONE DUD! HE DOESN’T WANT DANIEL CORMIER“ (quote entirely made up).

OK, that’s not very good smack, but you get the idea. And with all the kids crowding around him and stuff—wouldn’t this be great?

That’s the way you really build this up. Don’t view Jones’ injury as the wind coming out of the sails. View it as a bigger sail. Capitalize on this opportunity. Get the wind blowing again.

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Why Alexander Gustafsson Should Continue His Campaign Against Jones-Cormier

Alexander Gustafsson suffered his own type of pain when news broke that Jon Jones was forced off of the UFC 178 card due to injury (via a report by Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting). 
The UFC has rescheduled the fight between Jones and Daniel Co…

Alexander Gustafsson suffered his own type of pain when news broke that Jon Jones was forced off of the UFC 178 card due to injury (via a report by Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting). 

The UFC has rescheduled the fight between Jones and Daniel Cormier for UFC 182, which is set for January 3, 2015. While that fight has excited fans in recent weeks, Gustafsson, who is ranked No. 1 in the light heavyweight division by the UFC, has been left out in the cold. In response, Gustafsson has come out to state his disgust with the current situation, and he should continue his verbal assault.

Gustafsson and his team did not wait to come out against the fight between Cormier and Jones being rebooked rather than the Swede being given his title shot back.

“We are not happy,” Andreas Michael, Gustafsson‘s head trainer, told Sherdog. “Alex is the number one contender; he got injured and the UFC went to Plan B. Now if that fight is not happening, of course Alex and Jones should be right back.”

This is a very valid point for this team to make. Gustafsson and Jones put on one of the best fights in 2013 at UFC 165. When Jones successfully defended his title against Glover Teixeira at UFC 172, UFC President Dana White confirmed that Gustafsson would be next for the champion (via Sherdog).

Unfortunately, the challenger would suffer a knee injury before being able to get into the cage in September. That allowed for Daniel Cormier to receive his crack at the title.

The promotional train would race off as Cormier and Jones would brawl during press events and argue during interviews on major sports networks. The MMA community became enthralled with this matchup nearly two months before the two men would enter the Octagon. This created the perfect atmosphere for the promotion to rebook this fight rather than give Gustafsson back the title shot he earned.

To make the situation even worse for Gustafsson, it looks like he will not be allowed to wait on the sidelines until his turn against the champion is planned.

“Gustafsson will probably fight again. We’ll probably do another fight for him,” White said to UFC.com. “He’ll probably fight again to stay active, stay top of mind and the guy has to make money.”

The same report makes mention of Anthony Johnson as a potential opponent, which would be a very dangerous fight for Gustafsson to take. However, Gustafsson should continue his campaign against the Cormier and Jones matchup because his actions may pay off in the long run.

If Gustafsson is mandated to fight Johnson, he should work with the promotion to have the fight booked as the co-main event for UFC 182. The injury bug has already struck the light heavyweight title picture twice, so this type of booking would protect the changing of the fight for a third time. Instead, the UFC would have the opportunity to move Gustafsson into the main event to face either Jones or Cormier.

Even if Gustafsson is unable to convince UFC executives to make this fight a featured bout for UFC 182, he should continue his diatribe against the organization and the two men. Talking about the situation in public will keep him in the headlines and a prominent figure in the weight class. That is the exact type of momentum needed to force his way back into the title scene.

Alexander Gustafsson may not have the spot that he wants in the main event of UFC 182, but he shouldn’t stop his campaign against the two competitors. If injury strikes again, the Swedish fighter can find himself back in just as quickly he found himself out of title talks.

An individual’s ability to promote himself is a growing skill set within the Ultimate Fighting Championship, and this is Gustafsson‘s opportunity to show just how well he’s learned it.

 

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Dana White Wants to See Alexander Gustafsson vs. Anthony Johnson — But Gus Says He’ll Wait


(It’s crazy to think that Anthony Johnson used to fight at welterweight, and was like five inches shorter than he is now. / Photo via Getty)

With Alexander Gustafsson temporarily removed from the UFC light-heavyweight title picture — and understandably upset about it — Gustafsson’s manager Manos Terzitane appeared on UFC Tonight on Wednesday, and claimed that “The Mauler” won’t accept any other match than a title fight. That means Gustafsson would voluntarily sit out until at least spring 2015, and that’s only if things go perfectly according to plan. What if Jones vs. Cormier ends in an incredibly close decision or a controversial finish, and the UFC decides to book an immediate rematch? What if the winner of the fight sustains an injury and is sidelined for months?

Nothing is guaranteed in this sport, and holding out for a title shot goes badly more often than it goes well. But in his infinite grace, UFC president Dana White has suggested an alternate path for Gustafsson:

“Gustafsson will probably fight again. We’ll probably do another fight for him,” White said. “He’ll probably fight again to stay active, stay top of mind and the guy has to make money.”

Next up for Gustafsson could be the dangerous rising 205-pound star Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. White confirmed that Gustafsson vs. Johnson would probably be the fight that would make the most sense.


(It’s crazy to think that Anthony Johnson used to fight at welterweight, and was like five inches shorter than he is now. / Photo via Getty)

With Alexander Gustafsson temporarily removed from the UFC light-heavyweight title picture — and understandably upset about it — Gustafsson’s manager Manos Terzitane appeared on UFC Tonight on Wednesday, and claimed that “The Mauler” won’t accept any other match than a title fight. That means Gustafsson would voluntarily sit out until at least spring 2015, and that’s only if things go perfectly according to plan. What if Jones vs. Cormier ends in an incredibly close decision or a controversial finish, and the UFC decides to book an immediate rematch? What if the winner of the fight sustains an injury and is sidelined for months?

Nothing is guaranteed in this sport, and holding out for a title shot goes badly more often than it goes well. But in his infinite grace, UFC president Dana White has suggested an alternate path for Gustafsson:

“Gustafsson will probably fight again. We’ll probably do another fight for him,” White said. “He’ll probably fight again to stay active, stay top of mind and the guy has to make money.”

Next up for Gustafsson could be the dangerous rising 205-pound star Anthony “Rumble” Johnson. White confirmed that Gustafsson vs. Johnson would probably be the fight that would make the most sense.

You have to admit, that’s a badass fight, although it’s certainly a dangerous one if Gustafsson hopes to keep his spot in line. Ultimately, it’s up to the Mauler to decide if he wants to roll the dice on everything falling into place, while going without a paycheck for over a year. Tough call.

In a related story, Dana White explained that the Jones vs. Cormier press conference brawl wouldn’t have gotten so out of hand if he weren’t vacationing in Bora Bora at the time:

“As soon as Jones went up and their bodies touched, I would have separated them,” White said. “Sometimes you’ll see me put a hand in, or sometimes you’ll see me do something else. I would have separated them. It was the head butt, Jones headbutted Cormier – that’s what upset [Daniel] and made him push him back. I would have got my arm in there before that contact was even made. I would have seen the contact coming and I would have stopped it. Then I would have been right in the middle. Would I have stopped that whole thing from going down, who the fuck knows? I wasn’t here…

“[UFC Sr. Director of Public Relations] Dave Sholler doesn’t really have any experience out there between the guys,” White said. “There’s times when you know something is going on and you’re ready and you jump in there and get that thing defused. That’s why I stand there. I don’t stand there because I want to be in fucking pictures, I’m there to make sure that kind of shit doesn’t happen. You got two guys, who are going to fight, and there is definitely a ton of mind warfare going on between [Cormier and Jones], no doubt about it…

“The position that I get to stand in during those staredowns is the greatest position in all of f**king sports,” White said. “Nothing like being there when two guys are cutting weight, they’re fighting the next day, they’re away from their families for eight f**king weeks, and they get to square off…

“One little thing can trigger two guys, who are the baddest dudes on the planet, who are face to face,” White said of Jones and Cormier. “That’s what they do, period. People can try to sugar coat it or try to spin any way that they want, that’s the reality. That’s who they are, that’s what they’re paid to do and that’s what you show up to watch. These guys, that’s who they are to the core. And when you get two guys like that and you don’t handle the situation the right way to defuse it, that’s what happens. The difference is that Sholler has never been in that position before.”


(Hang in there kitten!)

Indeed, the situation wouldn’t have been nearly as chaotic if Dana was there, because there’s no way Jon Jones would have had the audacity to shove Dana White off a stage, even in the heat of passion. But that other guy, who looks like a broke-ass Jon Anik? Yeah, he’s gonna go for a little ride.

Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier Won’t Be Punished for Press Conference Brawl Any Time Soon


(Such a shame. Did our #JusticeForSholler hashtag accomplish *nothing*?)

In today’s installment of “the Nevada State Athletic Commission is a total clown show,” NSAC officials have confirmed that last Monday’s press conference brawl between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier won’t be addressed at its next meeting on August 21st.

“The incident between Jones and Cormier will not be on the agenda for the commission meeting this month,” NSAC Executive Director Bob Bennett told MMAjunkie yesterday. “If and when it does, I will let you know.”

Directly following the brawl, NSAC chair Francisco Aguilar wrote, “It’s too premature for us to comment, considering we were not there. Upon review of the video and follow up questions, we can make an assessment.” Ten days later, it’s apparently still too premature to comment; they must be super-busy over there. Still, I guess taking no action is better than immediately firing a guy before even looking at the tape.

With Jones vs. Cormier now postponed to January, this would have been the perfect opportunity for the NSAC to give the fighters an utterly meaningless four-month suspension that would expire before the fight was scheduled. But they’re not even doing that. Like I said before, being a superstar with a fight coming up makes you untouchable.

Related: Jon Jones Apologizes to Fans, Slated to Undergo Surgery on Injured Leg


(Such a shame. Did our #JusticeForSholler hashtag accomplish *nothing*?)

In today’s installment of “the Nevada State Athletic Commission is a total clown show,” NSAC officials have confirmed that last Monday’s press conference brawl between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier won’t be addressed at its next meeting on August 21st.

“The incident between Jones and Cormier will not be on the agenda for the commission meeting this month,” NSAC Executive Director Bob Bennett told MMAjunkie yesterday. “If and when it does, I will let you know.”

Directly following the brawl, NSAC chair Francisco Aguilar wrote, “It’s too premature for us to comment, considering we were not there. Upon review of the video and follow up questions, we can make an assessment.” Ten days later, it’s apparently still too premature to comment; they must be super-busy over there. Still, I guess taking no action is better than immediately firing a guy before even looking at the tape.

With Jones vs. Cormier now postponed to January, this would have been the perfect opportunity for the NSAC to give the fighters an utterly meaningless four-month suspension that would expire before the fight was scheduled. But they’re not even doing that. Like I said before, being a superstar with a fight coming up makes you untouchable.

Related: Jon Jones Apologizes to Fans, Slated to Undergo Surgery on Injured Leg

Jon Jones Apologizes to Fans, Announces Surgery Set for Tomorrow

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has suffered a fairly serious knee injury that has pushed his grudge match with Daniel Cormier back from UFC 178 to UFC 182 and he feels for his fans in the situation. 
“Bones” posted on Facebook earlier th…

UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones has suffered a fairly serious knee injury that has pushed his grudge match with Daniel Cormier back from UFC 178 to UFC 182 and he feels for his fans in the situation. 

“Bones” posted on Facebook earlier this afternoon, apologizing to those who were looking forward to his September 27 showdown with Cormier, indicating that he will be undergoing surgery tomorrow to get healthy as soon as possible.

The champ suffered a torn left meniscus and a sprained ankle during wrestling practice at Greg Jackson’s MMA yesterday, with the injury occurring as Jones was defending a takedown from ex-Strikeforce/K-1 heavyweight titleholder Alistair Overeem, per Sherdog.  

Cormier was anything but sympathetic in the situation, noting that he has been dealing with knee issues of his own and his arch-nemesis could’ve done the same, per MMA Fighting. 

Lost in the shuffle now is Alexander Gustafsson, who gave Jones all he could handle at UFC 165 in September, in what was almost unanimously named “Fight of the Year” by members of the MMA media.

Gustafsson was originally going to meet Jones in a long-awaited rematch at UFC 178, but was replaced by Cormier after he suffered a torn meniscus in his left knee. 

Based on this Instagram post, it seems pretty clear that Gustafsson is unhappy that the UFC will continue to deprive him of a rematch in favor of Jones vs. Cormier. 

UFC 178 is now headlined by a flyweight title bout between Demetrious Johnson and Chris Cariaso, per UFC.com. 

Was the UFC justified in pushing back Jones vs. Cormier until next year or should the company have rebooked Jones vs. Gustafsson II? 

 

John Heinis is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He is also the MMA editor for eDraft.com.

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UFC 182: Jon Jones’ Coaching Staff Provide Details Surrounding Knee Injury

MMA fans collectively slumped their shoulders on Tuesday when the UFC light heavyweight championship bout between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier, which was originally scheduled for UFC 178 in September, had to be postponed due to an injury to the ch…

MMA fans collectively slumped their shoulders on Tuesday when the UFC light heavyweight championship bout between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier, which was originally scheduled for UFC 178 in September, had to be postponed due to an injury to the champ.

Tristen Critchfield of Sherdog has the quotes from Jones’ camp, which indicates a takedown from UFC heavyweight Alistair Overeem caused the injury.

“It’s part of the game, it wasn’t like … somebody went for a flying kick and dislocated [something]. Somebody went for a takedown, [Jones] stepped the wrong way, twisted the wrong way and down he went. He was fighting it, and he just twisted it. And then it just popped,” said trainer Greg Jackson.

Jackson did say that while Jones won’t be able to do certain things (like kickboxing) during the early part of his rehab, the UFC champ will be able to do other things to train (like working off his back). That’s something that will likely come into play given Cormier‘s wrestling skills.

Speaking of Cormier and his skills, some additional quotes from assistant coach Brandon Gibson have puzzled some MMA fans. The Jones camp assistant told Critchfield:

One positive I think there is, is [Cormier] was having a shorter camp. … I’m sure he was going to be worried about getting in shape, and we didn’t want any excuses from him. This gives DC plenty of time to get better at every aspect he wants to get better at and heal whatever needs to heal.

Because when we face him, we want to face the best DC there is. No excuses.

It’s interesting that Jones is the one pulling out of the fight due to an injury, but his camp is concerned with Cormier making excuses.

Cormier‘s struggles to make a lower weight limit have been picked at by Jones, per the MMA Hour (via MMA Fighting’s Dave Doyle), but it’s more likely that Cormier was more concerned with a knee injury of his own. An injury to Cormier‘s LCL was believed to have required surgery, but the title challenger opted to hold off on surgery to face Jones at UFC 178.

Now Cormier will have additional time to heal up any nagging injuries and have a full training camp to face the UFC light heavyweight champ.

It’s unclear as to whether Jones’ injury will require surgery at the moment, but the two are scheduled to headline the UFC 182 card on January 3, 2015, in Las Vegas.

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