Daniel Cormier doesn't want to start training for Jon Jones rematch until 2016

Ever since the reinstatement of Jon Jones to Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the world of mixed martial arts (MMA) has been waiting with bated breath for the announcement of a rematch with Daniel Cormier.

Jones has been egging on the "belt sitter" on Twitter, taunting and teasing out his rival in an attempt to goad Cormier into settling their differences sooner, rather than later. It's a fight Cormier says he wants, particularly since he lost their first encounter via unanimous decision at UFC 182 in early January.

But according to an interview Cormier gave to Damon Martin of Fox Sports, "DC" is going to take it easy until the new year. That means no training camp and no fight hype until the clock strikes midnight on Jan. 1, 2016.

"I don't want to start a fight camp right now. I want to relax through the holidays with my family and when I told that to Dana (White) and Lorenzo (Fertitta), they were very open about it. They said 'get through your holiday and then we'll see what happens'. They said 'it's awesome DC, you had a great year, now you can get through your holiday and see what happens next'," Cormier told FOX Sports this week.

"I needed it. I'm 36 fighting these young guys and it's tough. I fought the best this division has to offer all over the span of 10 months. I need a break and I'm going to take it."

Cormier recently met with UFC brass to renegotiate his contract for eight more fights, a conversation which also included a request for time off following his five round war with Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 192. The request was, apparently, granted.

We don't yet know what Jones thinks of the news but other contenders in the light heavyweight division were candid about their disappointment of any delay. Anthony Johnson said Cormier hasn't "earned" a break the way Jones did after "two years of ass whooping".

Not that DC has been taking it easy. As pointed out by Damon Martin, Cormier hasn't been home for Christmas in over four years with fights always pushing him to train through the holidays.

Perhaps it would be nice to just sit around the yuletide fire and relax for once. Just don't go too heavy on the Christmas goose, OK?