Both Daniel Cormier and Dana White have given their initial reactions to the jaw-dropping news that Jon Jones tested positive for steroids during a pre-fight drug test at UFC 214 and has been stripped of his light-heavyweight title once again.
Former champion Cormier lost his title after being KO’d by Jones at the event and was visibily distraught afterwards at having come up short a second time against his arch-rival, but the news that his opponent was using a performance enhancing drug that night has left him dumbfounded.
“It’s hard to find words to describe how I’m feeling right now,” Cormier said in a short statement. “I’m disappointed to hear the news. It’s very emotional.
“We as athletes are entitled to due process, and I will refrain from saying much more until I know exactly what happened.
“In my mind, on July 29, I competed and I lost. I thought Jon Jones was the better man that day. I don’t know what to think anymore. I can’t believe we are going through all of this again. We will see what happens next.
“Thank you to all my fans who have supported me during this dark time. I love you all very much.”
Meanwhile, a visibly dejected Dana White spoke to the media after the news broke, and it was clear he was still trying to wrap his head around how Jones had managed to throw away yet another chance to get his life back on track.
“It’s brutal,” White said. “It’s unbelievable. I’m sure I feel the same way every one of you felt when you heard. I always know what to say. I don’t know what to say about this one.
Now White believes there’s a real chance that a lengthy suspension could signal the death knell for Jones career.
“If this plays out like it could and he ends up getting two or three years (ban) it might be the end of his career.
‘Let’s not talk about legacy, this is probably the end of his career.”
