UFC brass: 'There are going to be ramifications' for Jones-Cormier brawl

LAS VEGAS – While Monday’s public dust-up between UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones (20-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) and undefeated challenger Daniel Cormier (15-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) may very well have brought more attention to the pair’s UFC 178 matchup, UFC officials are publicly standing against such actions.

UFC Chief Legal Officer Kirk Hendrick issued a statement through the company’s official website and claimed there will be a price to pay for both Jones and Cormier.

“This is certainly not a proud moment for the UFC organization,” Hendrick stated. “We expect more from our athletes, especially these two gentlemen, who are very well-trained and highly educated professionals. Their actions were clearly a violation of the UFC’s code of conduct.”

Jones and Cormier were taking part in a UFC 178 Ultimate Media Day session in the lobby of Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Hotel & Casino. After taking part in interviews for approximately one hour, the two were brought together on stage for a traditional pre-event staredown photo opportunity. Things quickly escalated when Jones went forehead-to-forehead with Cormier, who then shoved the light heavyweight champ. Jones responded by throwing a punch, and the ensuing melee saw the pair topple off the stage.

Each went on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” shortly after and issues an apology, but Hendrick said that’s not going to be enough.

“There are going to be ramifications,” Hendrick stated. “Whether you’re the champion, or this is your first fight in the UFC, there are going to be ramifications from the UFC for these actions.”

Fortunately, both fighters emerged from the scrap unharmed, and there were no injuries reported by the staff and security who broke apart the two athletes. The Nevada State Athletic Commission has vowed to review the incident, as well, and may also levy its own sanctions. UFC officials have agreed to cooperate fully with the investigation.

UFC 178 takes place Sept. 27 at Las Vegas’ MGM Grand Garden Arena. The main card, including the Jones vs. Cormier headliner, airs on pay-per-view.

For more on UFC 178, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.