Daniel Cormier Details the Backstage Encounter That Changed His Respect for Anthony Johnson

Jon Jones is gone for the time being, Daniel Cormier has been handed the UFC light heavyweight belt again, and Anthony “Rumble” Johnson is retired (for now). The division is both old and new; clean yet warped. On the supposed verge of Johnson’s return to a heavier division, Cormier made some comments about Johnson’s super quick comeback. Talking about Rumble brought some experiences back from UFC 214, causing Daniel Cormier to tell a story about he’ll interact with Johnson different from now on.

“Rumble Johnson and I have always been respectful with each other, but something happened at UFC 214 that has forever made me change the way I’m going to interact with Anthony Johnson. So, I walk into the back of the weigh-ins for UFC 214, and there’s Rumble. And I go up to Rumble and he says ‘what’s up DC? You look good.’ Give him a hug, and I say ‘hey man, I hope you’re enjoying your retirement. You seem happy. I wish you nothing but continued success’, and I go about my business — as much as you’d expect two guys who have competed and ave respect for each other would interact. Then in walks Jon Jones, and I expect him to — a guy he was supposed to fight, and may at some point still fight — give him the same type of conversation and kind of keep it moving, as a man. But Jon walks in, they give each other the shake and the hug, and they talk a little bit. And the conversation seems like Anthony is almost giving him advice … like pre-fight stuff.”

Thank you for the words of wisdom @Anthony_Rumble pic.twitter.com/Bvy8Vaw96I

— Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) July 29, 2017

“I guess Jon’s putting on his shoes or something, and then Rumble walks up to him again, but now they’re hugging. Legitimately hugging! Rumble’s leaning over while Jon’s tying his shoes, and Rumble’s leaning over and giving him advice. What the f-ck kind of advice are you giving him? F-cking what the f-ck? Why are you so friendly? This is a guy that at some point you may have to fight. You’re his friend now? Why the f-ck are you his friend? Are you just hoping that he wins because I beat you? What the f-ck are you doing? Rumble and I have no more relationship. What the f-ck are you so friendly with a guy in your weight class for? F-ck that. The competitor in you shouldn’t allow you to be that nice to that guy. In my mind, that dude is f-cking soft.”  — Daniel Cormier on his Talk and Talker podcast. 

Looks like there still could be tension between Daniel Cormier and Anthony Johnson, despite Cormier finishing him twice. It probably isn’t out of the question to say that Johnson, Jon Jones and Cormier will linked together until Cormier decides to retire. With DC’s time at light heavyweight perhaps numbered and Johnson allegedly planning a return to heavyweight, they could potentially finish their trilogy in another division.

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 10/4/2017.