As is the case on many occasions, fighters tarnish their pre-fight buildup and tense rivalry with hugs and compliments once the fight has concluded. Jones, however, felt just as strongly about Daniel Cormier after the fight as he did over the past six months.
“I know if he would have won, he would have been up here, talking all types of trash,” Jones said at the post-fight press conference. “So I don’t feel sorry for him. This is combat.”
Just because Jones was victorious in the title fight does not mean he should abstain from taunts and critical remarks afterwards. Cormier did not represent the toughest challenge in Jones’ career and he was intent on making that clear.
“Whenever someone faced up to (Cormier) and is a man, he breaks,” Jones said. “He says he’s the king of the grind – he’s not. I hope he’s somewhere crying right now – I’m sure he is. I hope he earns his way back so I can whoop him.”
For Jones, it was a matter of watching tape and memorizing Cormier’s movements and tendencies. Once the champ had accomplished that, he felt as though he had integrated DC’s talents into his own skill set.
“(Me and my team) had a chip on our shoulder, and our goal was to go out there and have faith in our wrestling and take him down, and earn respect from the wrestling community,” Jones said. “As far as beating him at his own style, I watched him fight so much, I actually absorbed who he is. I absorbed grinding. I watched him hold Frank Mir against the cage, and I was like, ‘I see what you’re doing there.’ I watch my opponents so much I start to subconsciously inherit their talent and their gifts.”
Transcription taken from MMAJunkie.com
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