Video: Jon Jones tells NSAC it's unfair to say he started Daniel Cormier brawl

LAS VEGAS – Although he ultimately received a harsher punishment for his role in a recent brawl with upcoming opponent Daniel Cormier, UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones today told the Nevada State Athletic Commission that it’s not “necessarily fair” for him to take most of the blame.

Jones ultimately received a $50,000 fine and 40 hours of community service (and confirmed he lost his Nike sponsorship) because of the Aug. 4 brawl, which took place at a media day in Las Vegas. Commissioners fined Cormier $9,000 and ordered him to do 20 hours of community service for his role in the scuffle.

Commissioner Pat Lundvall recommended fewer hours for Cormier since she felt Jones was more to blame for instigating the melee.

But during his hearing, which preceded Cormier’s, an otherwise-contrite Jones said they were both at fault for the forehead-to-forehead position that ignited the brawl.

“I do take responsibility for what I did, and I’m not trying to blame him at all,” Jones said. “But I don’t think it’s necessarily fair to make it sound like I came in to his space when in reality we both came into each other’s face.”

Check out his full comments above.

Jones (20-1 MMA, 14-1 UFC) and Cormier (15-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) initially scuffled on-stage at MGM Grand Hotel & Casino (watch the video below). Initially, the bout was expected to take place at UFC 178 this coming weekend at the Las Vegas venue, but it was subsequently delayed (due to Jones’ leg injury) and is now slated for pay-per-view on Jan. 3 at UFC 182.

For more on UFC 182, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

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