It’s safe to say that Daniel Cormier had one of the worst nights of his life at UFC 214 on Saturday. Cormier was defeated for the second time by arch-rival Jon Jones, this time finished in the third round by a TKO set up by a head kick. The former light heavyweight champ was clearly devastated and emotional during an ill-advised post-fight interview with Joe Rogan.
Cormier didn’t have much to say at the time, but he has now released a statement addressing the loss, and at the very least, he seems in somewhat better spirits. In a post to Instagram, he speaks to the loss, his reaction to ref Big John McCarthy calling off the fight, and more.
Addressing new champ Jon Jones, with whom Cormier has feuded for most of his UFC career, DC said “Congratulations to Jon Jones and his team. They did a phenomenal job and got the victory.”
He then turned his attention to ref Big John, who he called “the best in the business.” After the stoppage at UFC 214, Cormier had turned his ire on the pioneering MMA referee, feeling the stoppage came too early. However, Cormier was unaware of being out, and in all honesty the fight probably could have been stopped sooner — McCarthy allowed Cormier every chance to stay in the bout.
“Also, to Big John McCarthy, I would like to apologize for acting up with you” Cormier said in his statement. “I am thankful for the time you gave me to try and defend myself and stay in the fight. You are the best in the business for a reason.”
You can read Daniel Cormier’s full statement below.
So where does DC go from here? Having lost to Jones twice, and pushing forty, it seems unlikely that another light heavyweight title fight is in the cards any time soon. North to heavyweight is a possibility, as Cormier is undefeated in that weight class.
