UFC 182 preview: 'Bad Blood' timeline for Jon Jones vs Daniel Cormier

Who doesn't love a great rivalry? That's because they always bring that extra edge and anticipation to a fight.

Few rivalries in the history of mixed martial arts (MMA) -- let alone Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) history -- have been as heated as the one between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier. That's because their "Bad Blood" has been bubbling for three years.

Cormier will finally get his opportunity to put his hands on the champion this weekend (Sat., Jan. 3, 2015) in the main event of UFC 182 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

With the anticipation for this monumental title fight reaching its climax, MMAmania breaks down the "Bad Blood" timeline between the two bitter rivals prior to them settling the score this weekend:

• Nov. 2011: Jones and Cormier nearly brawl at 2011 World MMA Awards
• April 2013: Cormier defeats Frank Mir via unanimous decision in his UFC debut
• Feb. 2014: Cormier defeats Patrick Cummins in light heavyweight debut
• April: Jones defeats Glover Teixeira to defend his title for the seventh time
• May: Cormier defeats Dan Henderson via third round submission
• June: Jones asks Dana White and UFC to fight Daniel Cormier instead of rematching Alexander Gustafsson
• July: UFC announces booking of Jon Jones vs Alexander Gustafsson 2 for UFC 178 main event
• July: Alexander Gustafsson injures knee, Daniel Cormier replaces him in UFC 178 main event against Jon Jones
• July: Both men engage in trash talk over Twitter
• August: Jones and Cormier engage in infamous all-out brawl during UFC 178 media day
• August: Jones tells Cormier 'you suck' on Instagram video after brawl
• August: Jones and Cormier continue verbal warfare on Twitter following brawl
• August: 'Fake' Jones and Cormier go on SportsCenter and discuss brawl
• August: Full SportsCenter clip released, shows Cormier spit threat and Jones' death threat
• August: Jones and Cormier continue trash talk during UFC 178 Q & A the day after brawl
• August: Jones rips Cormier on Jimmy Kimmel for placing 4th in the Olympics
• August: Cormier responds with picture of Jones placing 4th in his high school tournament
• August: Jones tears Meniscus and sprains ankle while training with Alistair Overeem, fight postponed to UFC 182
• August: Jones opts for surgery, Cormier wishes the champion "toughed it out" and fought
• September: Jones and Cormier punished by the NSAC for UFC 178 media day brawl, both are fined and must commit to community service
• December: UFC airs outstanding promo for Jones/Cormier fight during UFC 181, reigniting the rivalry
• December: UFC unveils "Bad Blood" special, detailing the Jones vs Cormier rivalry
• December: Jones and Cormier return to SportsCenter for one last pre-fight interview

Whew!

That's quite the build up to what is surely one of the most winding, heated journeys to a championship main event in some time. It feels a lot like Chael Sonnen vs. Anderson Silva and Chuck Liddell vs. Wanderlei Silva.

Let's just hope Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier lives up to all the hype this Saturday night in "Sin City."

Malicious and violent things!

MMAmania.com will provide LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 182 fight card on fight night (Sat., Jan. 3, 2015) RIGHT HERE, starting with the Fight Pass "Prelims" matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET, right on through the FOX Sports 1-televised under card bouts at 8 p.m. ET and then main card PPV, which is slated to begin at 10 p.m. ET.