THERE HAVE BEEN a number of heated-rivalries between fighters over the years, but few have been as visceral or hate-fuelled as the one shared by UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier.
Pre-fight hostilities, particularly when genuine, have always added to intrigue and anticipation as a significant bout approaches. It certainly did when BJ Penn goaded Georges St Pierre ahead of a re-match at UFC 93 or as Chael Sonnen insulted Anderson beyond the point of no return in the lead-up to their middleweight title-fights at UFC 117 and 148.
Combatants have always utilised the press, social media or UFC series such as Primetime or Countdown to stoke the fires, but only Jones and Cormier have come to blows before stepping foot inside the octagon.
At a press event for UFC 178, when they were initially meant to fight, the pair engaged in an all-out brawl in front of the fans and media at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Both men were heavily-reprimanded for their conduct, however, in the interim, the UFC have milked the situation for all its worth.
So much so that they have produced a unique programme just for Saturday night’s UFC 182 main event – Bad Blood. The title could not be more apt. Below, the genesis and development of their feud is laid out in full.
It’s hard to imagine a better curtain-raiser for MMA in 2015.
I don’t believe it will happen but I hope Cormier flattens Jones. Jones is an immensely unlikeable character. Then, after Jones loses to Cormier, hopefully Gustafsson will get the next shot as Jones will dodge him forever because he knows he should have lost their last fight.
He’s no more unlikeable than Connor McGregor.
John, I wouldn’t be too surprised if Cormier won. He is an elite wrestler and Gustafson was the only guy to take Jones to the ground. Jones will rely on his reach advantage and striking. Cormier was doing very well in the heavyweight division also, destroying the likes of Mir, Barnett and Roy Nelson.
I enjoyed watching that (should be working). When’s the fight?
Sunday January 4th. The card starts at 03:00 but the main fight will more than likely be closer to 05:00. Maybe even a bit later.
Probably better off catching the replay on BT Sports on Sunday evening.
Cannot wait for this fight!
J”B”J all the way.
Cheers John