After a day of interviews at a media event in Las Vegas, UFC light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones and top-rated contender Daniel Cormier launched into a full-on brawl in the middle of the MGM Grand lobby in front of media and fans.
Jones and Cormier were staring each other down on stage when the champion pushed his head down onto the challenger's forehead. A second later, Cormier shoved Jones away and the champion launched himself across the stage to throw a punch at his next opponent, eight weeks out from their scheduled fight.
As UFC officials attempted to intervene, Cormier and Jones fell through the backdrop and off the stage onto the floor below. Jones could be seen throwing punches down at Cormier, who landed on his back as security attempted to separate the two fighters before matters got any worse.
Finally, Cormier and Jones were separated as MGM security along with UFC officials were able to break up the fight. Jones stared back in Cormier's direction as onlookers and fellow UFC fighters watched.
Jones stood back on the crumpled stage and screamed several times as the audience cheered before he was led back through the crowd to exit the scene.
UFC officials have yet to comment on the situation, but there's no telling what the punishment could be for both fighters after the melee Monday. The Nevada State Athletic Commission could also get involved.
After the brawl, Jones immediately took to Twitter to taunt his next opponent.
<img src='http://a1.fssta.com/content/dam/fsdigital/fscom/UFC/images/2014/08/04/080414-UFC-light-heavyweight-champion-Jon-Jones-and-challenger-Daniel-Cormier-PI.vadapt.320.medium.0.jpg' alt=''>
Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC / Zuffa LLC
A melee broke out between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier today
FOX Sports Damon Martin
Share This Story
Bookmarks