We all knew it couldn't last.
After five rounds and a presser brawl that still gives Dave Sholler nightmares no one believed Jon Jones and UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier could manage a civil lead-up to their rematch booked for April 23 at UFC 197.
Cormier has said he largely blames his unanimous decision loss to Jones at UFC 183 on being too emotional and not handling himself like a competitor. Jones tweeted just last week that both he and Cormier were professionals and that the title was enough to motivate them.
Neither of us need to have bad blood to compete at our highest levels. We both have a lot on the line https://t.co/x1KAK6sqJH
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) February 17, 2016
I've already taken his undefeated record. No bad blood on my end, my reason for winning this next victory is bigger than him
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) February 17, 2016
Well, that took a hitch Monday when Jones posted a snarky meme mocking Cormier's status as an "undisputed champion." After Jones was suspended by the UFC and stripped of his title, Cormier claimed the belt by submitting Anthony Johnson in May at UFC 187.
#Repost @jonnybones with @repostapp. https://t.co/W7NjwKDhYD pic.twitter.com/mA4ZwxuwI9
— JacksonWinkMMA (@JacksonWinkMMA) February 24, 2016
The jab somehow eluded Cormier for days, but someone near him with internet access inevitably pointed it out to him.
And away we go.
jonnybones so we are doing these now. This is gonna be fun! Game on! https://t.co/wk9UltzBWr
â Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) February 26, 2016
Cormier followed up with a shot at Jones' on-going sobriety. He even mentions "Mr. Untouchable" Nicky Barnes, the prominent gangster and drug kingpin of Harlem, New York in the 1970's.
This is easy! Like shooting fish in a barrel! Got em ready to go and @jonnybones it only gets worse from here. #glasshouse #lookinthemirror #nickybarnes
This is easy! Like shooting fish in a barrel! Got em ready to go and jonnybones it only gets... https://t.co/K6pGAV0pFR
â Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) February 26, 2016
Cormier has been largely unimpressed with the strides Jones has taken to stay out of trouble, calling it "what you're supposed to do."
"Doing community service is community service, but how about going and talking to these kids on your own?" Cormier said in January. "Not when you're forced to do it. The positive changes he's made are very good for him, but in reality it's just normal. If you're a man with a fiancé, you're not supposed to run around on her."
In an Instagram post that's since been deleted, Jones told fans this week that he had successfully completed his 72 court-mandated speaking engagements with local youth and planned to continue making appearances in the future.
5 MUST-READ STORIES
The MMA Beat. The panel discusses what it means for UFC 196 now that Nate Diaz is involved with Conor McGregor, the stakes in Michael Bisping vs. Anderson Silva, lessons to take from Bellator 149 and more.
A day in London with Michael Bisping. Ariel Helwani and Bisping discuss the stakes going into Saturday's fight, his career, his issues with Anderson Silva, living in America, his family and much more.
Spider. Anderson Silva talks about why he didn't shake Michael Bisping's hand today, returning to London, why he doesn't think the failed drug test affected his legacy, going after the belt again, and more.
'Chuck Norris would be the bigger challenge.' Jon Jones responds to Chuck Liddell, saying he should have "fought smarter" and "saved some chin."
'Help us out.' Bellator commentator Jimmy Smith expresses frustration over the promotion's "circus fights" and pleads with fans to tune in to the less flashy, high caliber action.
MEDIA STEW
UFC Fight Night: London embedded episode 3.
Conor's appearance on FOX Sports Live talking Nate, Nick, Dana and more.
60 Minutes stopped by Jackson Wink.
Luke Rockhold makes his pick for Bisping vs. Silva.
TMZ had fun at Wednesday's presser.
TTTHS.
Long watches.
UFC London: Anderson Silva vs Bisping Care/Don't Care Preview
...
...
TWEETS
Beef.
Oh chuck..
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) February 25, 2016
I know, I've noticed it over the years. I've always been nothing but nice to the guy https://t.co/tyRhmQa2ly
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) February 25, 2016
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) February 25, 2016
Maybe he should've fought smarter and saved some chin https://t.co/aZGtrCwSLS
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) February 25, 2016
Maybe, definitely wanted to be decent with him, sucks his hate is shifting things is this direction https://t.co/AMlzlTpssT
— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) February 25, 2016
I said one of those Pussyies will back out! I'm ready get on a plane right now fight this weekend and next weekend. @BellatorMMA Baddass!
— Joe Warren (@JoeWarrenMMA) February 25, 2016
Give me #KimboNext @BellatorMMA https://t.co/uoCelTflwF @joerogan @BrendanSchaub @bryancallen @Unclecreepymma @eddiebravo in video
— Justin Wren MMA (@TheBigPygmy) February 25, 2016
Ron Burgundy Reporting: BREAKING NEWS @TeamKhabib We know why you have been Hurt #TorturedAthletes jk But Seriously pic.twitter.com/DkwJgxzP9F
— Tony Ferguson (@TonyFergusonXT) February 26, 2016
Buds.
Always a pleasure to work w/#captainamerica himself! "Nice and flowy" haha @ChrisWeidmanUFChttps://t.co/WEGJN72fXH pic.twitter.com/3uY9TgL0ZZ
— Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) February 25, 2016
Get well soon.
@Cody_Nolove estou curado e pronto!! @seanshelby @danawhite @ufc_brasil @Alexdavismma pic.twitter.com/G74JA9KqVH
— John Lineker (@johnlineker) February 25, 2016
.@johnlineker @seanshelby @danawhite @ufc_brasil @Alexdavismma I'm glad you're better for real. I been waiting for awhile to
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) February 25, 2016
Rumors.
I'm hearing the same bullshit. Just a bunch of shit someone trying to make up? https://t.co/Cpm4ccG9mH
— Cowboy Cerrone (@Cowboycerrone) February 25, 2016
Facts.
@WonderboyMMA "Woodley is waiting too much" know ur facts brother. I'm a fan but there is zero truth to that. Johny missing isn't my fault.
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) February 25, 2016
Thunda.
RT @rosenamajunas THAT SQUAT! @trevorwittman @hypeordie grudgetrainingcenter @303bjj #ufconfox19 https://t.co/3QJlaoNiZX
— Pat Barry (@HypeOrDie) February 25, 2016
THROWIN THUNDA
Congrats.
Paid off a big student loan today that's been hanging over my head for years :) MAN, that feels good!
— Lauren Murphy (@LaurenMurphyMMA) February 25, 2016
I'm sorry.
Lmfao! @xxDanaBlackxx: @MMARoasted pic.twitter.com/tpo3ZlILZE
— James Vick (@JamesVickMMA) February 25, 2016
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Announced yesterday (Feb. 25 2016)
cancelled Marcos Galvao vs. Eduardo Dantas at Bellator 150
Found something you'd like to see in the Morning Report? Just hit me up on Twitter @SaintMMA and we'll include it in tomorrow's column.