Daniel Cormier has penned a classy message to MMA fans about his arch rival Jon Jones.
At UFC 214, Cormier and Jones met for the second time following their UFC 182 bout.
In 2015, Cormier suffered his first professional defeat of his career to Jones which preceded an intense build-up which included a brawl at a pre-fight press conference.
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Their rematch In Anaheim, California, marked Jones' anticipated return to the famed Octagon. And despite being away from the cage, he produced his greatest performance.
Cormier in action against Anthony Johnson. Image: PA
Jones dethroned Cormier of the UFC light-heavyweight title after inflicting a third round stoppage via a brutal head-kick.
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But a few weeks after the contest, Jones tested positive for a anabolic steroid, Turinabol.
He was subsequently stripped of the title with the bout being overturned to a No-Contest by the California State Athletic Commission .
It's the third time he's been relinquished of a title by the promotion in the past three years, as his legacy is tarnished following the drug result.
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And while MMA fans and media scrutinize the 30-year-old's decision making and career, Cormier has leaped to his defence by posting a classy message:
"I call upon you to take a breathe, lay off of Jones. Let him and his team figure out what's going on and what happened. I was down and some may have kicked me but the majority of you showed compassion and love. After the fight Jones showed compassion, regardless of what has happened as humans we must show compassion. Jon is not on this ride alone, remember this man has a family. Let's respect that. You don't show ur support for me by hurting others. Again I thank you for ur unbelievable support and I trust that you guys will come thru again. DC"
Class act.
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Cormier has since been reinstated as the UFC light-heavyweight champion.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Jon Jones, Daniel Cormier, UFC
