“I trained so hard” – When Daniel Cormier looked inconsolable after Jon Jones was pulled out of their fight at UFC 200
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UFC 200 was supposed to be one of the most iconic events in the promotion’s history. In what was to be headlined by a rematch for the light heavyweight title between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier, UFC 200 had all the right ingredients to be a blockbuster event for the promotion.
However, just three days before the mega event, the UFC suffered a major blow. Jon Jones, who was the light heavyweight champion at the time, was pulled out by USADA due to a failed drug test. This meant that Cormier, who had given it his everything, was without an opponent for UFC 200.
When Dana White informed Cormier about Jones’ removal, ‘DC’ was highly disheartened. Breaking the news to him, White said, “Jones tested positive.” Upon hearing this statement from the UFC President, Cormier stomped his foot on the ground with disappointment and said, “Come on dude. Dana come on. Come on… Oh man, I trained so hard.” While Dana White consoled Cormier, ‘DC’ was still ready to fight Jones. He said, “Like is there anything I can do? I’ll sign a release and we can just fight.”
Despite offering to sign a release, nothing could be done. Without an opponent three days before the event, Cormier declared he would still be ready to fight a replacement if it made sense. Eventually, Cormier’s hard work in training camp did not go waste, as ‘DC’ faced a massive name at UFC 200.
Related: “He’s the one who cheated” – Daniel Cormier will never move past his beef with Jon Jones
Daniel Cormier fought Anderson Silva at UFC 200
After Jon Jones was pulled out of UFC 200, there was a lot of speculation if the promotion would be able to find a replacement. Not only did the UFC find a replacement, but they delivered another big fight, as Daniel Cormier was scheduled to face Anderson Silva. It was announced that Cormier would face Silva in a three-round non-title bout on the main card. The event was eventually headlined by a bantamweight title fight between Miesha Tate and Amanda Nunes.
While Anderson Silva had fought thrice at light heavyweight, many wondered how he would fare against Cormier, who had only lost once in his MMA career back then. Going into the fight, not many gave Silva a chance, especially because it was such a short-notice fight for the Brazilian.
A favorite going into the bout, Cormier dominated Silva over the course of three-rounds. The two-time Olympian used his wrestling to dominate Silva, and won an unanimous decision.
Also Read: “He can fight”- Daniel Cormier takes his pick between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic
Despite losing the fight, the MMA masses appreciated Silva for showing heart and rising to the occasion on such short notice. While it might have not been the best scenario, many fans still enjoyed this fight between the two legends.
Also Read: “He’s rotten at his core” – SHOCKING! Daniel Cormier predicted Jon Jones’ exact future 6 years ago
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Varun Anand Bhat
(106 Articles Published)