Jon Jones wins Daniel Cormier’s UFC title in emphatic style with third round KO in grudge rematch
Jones regains UFC title in thrilling fight as Woodley defends his welterweight title for the third time
Jon Jones reached the pinnacle of mixed martial arts and then fell harder than just about anyone ever had before.
When he got back on top on Saturday night by stopping his greatest rival in dramatic style, Jones vowed to appreciate everything he had lost and regained.
Jones reclaimed his UFC light heavyweight title by stopping Daniel Cormier in the third round with a vicious head kick and a finish on the ground at UFC 214, completing his rocky journey back to the top after two and a half years of drama with his 14th consecutive victory.
He fended off a stiff challenge from Cormier (19-2), who held the belt for most of the past two years while Jones (23-1) dealt with self-inflicted setbacks outside the cage. His title belt has been stripped twice, and he endured a yearlong suspension for a doping test failure before returning to beat Cormier for the second time.
“I feel like I’m leaving my past behind me and I’m erasing everything I’ve done before,” Jones said. “I feel like this is a step to a new career, a new championship, and I want to be a better champion than I was in the past.”
After two and a half rounds of even, high-level striking, Jones landed a left head kick that caught Cormier leaning in.