'Shogun' Rua on UFC belt: Daniel Cormier, not Jon Jones, is 'real champion'

RIO DE JANEIRO – Mauricio Rua was the last person to hold the UFC light heavyweight title prior to Jon Jones’ reign of dominance that lasted nearly five years.

Jones (21-1 MMA, 15-1 UFC) defeated “Shogun” at UFC 128 in 2011 and never lost the belt in competition. In a rare measure, the UFC stripped him of his title and suspended the 28-year-old for his alleged involvement in a hit-and-run accident earlier this year.

Daniel Cormier (16-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) now holds the 205-pound championship after he defeated Anthony Johnson for the vacant strap at UFC 187 in May. Although the title is currently in Cormier’s possession, many believe it comes with an unofficial asterisk because he suffered a loss to Jones just one fight prior in January.

Rua, though, is not among those who still view Jones as the rightful titleholder. He said losing the belt was one of the repercussions to Jones’ alleged actions, and because of that, he had to forgo his position on top.

“I think Cormier’s the real champion,” Rua told MMAjunkie. “Jon Jones was punished, and he’s got to pay the price now.”

Jones’ future is uncertain as he waits for his case to either be dismissed or taken to trial. Meanwhile, the division continues to move on without him as Cormier is set to defend his title against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 192 in October.

Rua, though, said he’s hopeful “Bones” will again touch down in the octagon at some point.

“I would like to see him return,” Rua said. “He’s a guy that’s never been beaten, so I would like to see him come back.”

Rua’s (22-10 MMA, 6-8 UFC) next bout takes place Saturday at UFC 190. He meets Antonio Rogerio Nogueira (21-6 MMA, 4-3 UFC) in a long-awaited rematch at Rio de Janeiro’s HSBC Arena. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on FOX Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass.

Check out the full discussion with “Shogun” above.

And for the latest on UFC 190, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.