Johnson retired in the Octagon immediately afterwards and Cormier said that he could do the same thing without any regrets, even without a rematch with Jones, who inflicted his only professional UFC defeat.
Cormier came back two minutes later naked and holding a towel in front of him. They then questioned a silent Johnson in the break as to why he refused to keep distance from Cormier.
"It's like you sit there, and you take a table, and you put a bunch of kitchen appliances", Cormier said during the post-fight presser via MMA Junkie. This time it didn't work and Cormier took Johnson down.
Johnson got to as high as minus-140 (risking $1.40 to win $1) on fight night of UFC 187 in 2015 against Cormier before losing via submission in the third round.
In the second round he finally brought his combatant to ground, sinking in a choke before "Rumble" tapped.
The way Saturday's fight played out also was surprising, particularly because of Johnson's strategy. The fighters had two scheduled rematches called off, once because Cormier was injured, and the second when Jones' personal woes caught up to him. "And just in the middle of the fight, I just kind of fell off track and started playing his game, which was wrestling and things like that", he said.
"He better not come in my cage after I win", Cormier told reporters on Thursday. I've got to be completely honest with you, I didn't even realize I was doing that.
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IF UFC 210 is going to be half as exciting as all the controversy leading up to today's event, then we are in for one hell of a card. Cormier knew Jones was in the building and had some pointed comments towards his rival. It's just time for me to move on to something else.
"I'm exhausted of getting punched by other guys".
'This was my last fight, ' Johnson said.
"I hope that Anthony Johnson isn't walking away from this sport".
With Jones' suspension nearing its end the NY native will be in attendance to witness the fight cage-side, which will most likely determine his next opponent. I like Corey Anderson, but you just beat Corey Anderson. From there, Cormier will use his pressure and grappling to tire out Johnson. I watched the guy. As a fighter, I respect him.
He waited until Monday to share an emotional farewell to his fans on Instagram, though, and explained how he's ready for the new generation to take over and thanked them all for the support they've shown.
"You can't get rich off of dogs, bro", he said, with a smirk.
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