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Daniel Cormier Releases First Statement After Jon Jones Loss; Apologizes to Ref ‘Big’ John McCarthy

Even in defeat, defeat to a once-in-a-lifetime rival, Daniel Cormier exudes class.

On Saturday, Daniel Cormier lost his Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight crown to Jon Jones. Jones' stoppage came courtesy of a third-round head kick and the follow-up punches. Most onlookers felt as though referee “Big” John McCarthy gave Cormier every feasible latitude to recover from Jones' barrage of strikes, but the American Kickboxing Academy team captain certainly didn't convey as much on fight night at UFC 214, arguing with the esteemed referee over the stoppage. Less than 24 hours removed from the bout, Cormier had a different line for his overseeing official, as well as his victorious rival.