Daniel Cormier: UFC 178 Media Day Brawl ‘Not A Proud Moment For Me’
UFC light-heavyweight contender Daniel Cormier was embroiled in the most controversial out-of-cage antics of 2014 so far, as he and champion Jon Jones duked it out during the recent UFC 178 media day in Las Vegas, Nevada. The sudden brawl undoubtedly boosted PPV sales for the September 27 show, but Cormier expects more of himself in these situations.
While talking to AXS TV, “DC” discussed the media day scuffle with “Bones”:
“In the situations with staredowns, it can be very intense. I just don’t think we should be making physical contact. We react, we are fighters. I’m not going to allow him to dominate me at all. I believe my Olympic experiences will help me, I have to represent my coaches and family. Emotion won’t carry me in the octagon. It’s competition, that’s what I’m here to do.”
With the explosive brawl becoming viral in minutes, the video was viewed by near-enough anyone with a social media compatible device; so just about everybody. But for Cormier, this was bad press, as he continued:
“Jon and I never saw eye-to-eye since we met. It kind of festered, and now with all the stuff going on now, it’s compounded. We are both alpha male, and you put us together, we are going to get angry and intense. It’s not a proud moment for me, and it’s not a proud moment for Jon.You’ve got two undefeated guys, he lost two rounds to Gustafsson, and that’s it. I’ve lost no rounds in my career. You’ve got two of the best guys against eachother for the biggest prize in the sport. We need to carry ourselves a little better.”
In closing, Bas Rutten questioned the former Olympian’s cardio for the five round championship fight. This point is particularly pertenant for “DC” as he will likely need to work very hard to get in range for striking and takedowns against the taller champion Jones.
“When it comes to the cardio for the fight, I’m going to work on that, I’m focused on the task at hand. It’s a tall order, and I’m willing to push and press where most people aren’t willing to go, and that’s to win the championship.”
Never lacking in confidence, Cormier does a great job of projecting his alpha male aura, but will that be enough to overcome the tricky style and lanky limbs of “Bones”? September 27 couldn’t come quick enough.
