UFC 214 over the weekend marked the end of a long rivalry between two of the promotion’s top light heavyweight fighters, Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones.
The action-packed five-round battle ended in three rounds, with Jones viciously knocking out Cormier with a head kick and a barrage of strikes, en route to reclaiming the UFC light heavyweight title.
READ: Jones regains UFC belt with brutal KO of Cormier, wants Lesnar next
A day after losing his title, the 38-year-old Cormier took to Instagram to congratulate his bitter rival for his convincing victory.
“First off, thank you all for the kind words. I have felt the support. Congratulations to Jon Jones and his team. They did a phenomenal job and got the victory,” he captioned a photo of himself.
The former Olympic wrestler also apologized to veteran MMA referee Jon McCarthy for initially protesting against his decision to halt the fight.
“Also, to Big John McCarthy, I would like to apologize for acting up with you. I am thankful for the time you gave me to try and defend myself and stay in the fight,” he wrote.
“You are the best in the business for a reason. I also wanna thank my team and my coaches. I love you all from the bottom of my heart. Your time and energy is greatly appreciated.”
McCarthy, meanwhile, accepted the apology and aired his side on Twitter.
1/2 @dc_mma U have nothing to apologize for. You have been an incredible champion who has represented the sport of MMA with class & dignity
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) July 31, 2017
2/2 I have watched the fight 2 many times & believe I should have stopped the fight 2 punches earlier. But I don’t get 2nd chances #AskBJM https://t.co/Qn1dQ4oP8c
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) July 31, 2017
Although he failed to avenge his earlier loss to Jones, Cormier pocketed a disclosed $1 million in fight purse, according to MMA Fighting. /ra