UFC 214 results: Jon Jones stops punch drunk Daniel Cormier, regains world title he never lost

The two best Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight fighters ever, Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones, collided tonight (Sat., July 29, 2017) in the pay-per-view (PPV) main event of UFC 214, which took place inside Honda Center in Anaheim, California. It was a rematch two years in the making after “Bones” scored a unanimous decision over “DC” back in Jan. 2015.

Indeed, it was a long time coming thanks to injuries, suspensions and other unlawful actions outside the Octagon. Nevertheless, it was well worth the wait, as both fighters and UFC did their best to promote the grudge match, framing it as a match up with championship gold, redemption, bragging rights and, perhaps most important, legacy all on the line.

And, true to form — despite a lengthy layoff and about as many distractions as possible — Jones returned to the Octagon this evening and became the first man ever to finish Cormier in professional mixed martial arts (MMA) competition, scoring a violent and dynamic third round technical knockout.

It was competitive up until the stoppage — both men were calculated and accurate, exchanging hard shots frequently. Jones used his length and creativity to land seemingly at will; however, Cormier walked through it all with a smile on his face and responded in kind. In fact, he landed the bigger and harder shots in the first two rounds, while Jones racked up points with an incessant output of kicks, teeps, elbows, punches and just about everything imaginable.

In the third round, Jones connected with a head kick as Cormier dipped his head. Cormier stumbled back, stunned as Jones chased him around the cage, knowing that the end was near. He didn’t have to hit him with much as Cormier was basically out on his feet. He eventually fell to the canvas thanks in part to a Jones trip, which is where the end came for “DC.” Jones reigned down hell on his face, nailing him with elbows and fists as Cormier scrambled to cover up. There was not refuge, though, as he was basically awake but knocked out. Referee John McCarthy gave him every possible second to turn it around — perhaps even too many — before stepping in to call it quits.

What an incredible return for Jones. He is the greatest MMA talent ... ever. It is awesome to have you back in the Octagon. Please don’t fuck it up.

For complete UFC 214: “Cormier vs. Jones 2” results, including play-by-play updates, click here.