Cormier Regrets Losing Focus in 2017 Jones Rematch

Daniel Cormier, a two-division UFC champion and Hall of Famer, recently shared his deepest regret from his storied mixed martial arts career during an interview on the Weighing In podcast with former teammate Josh Thomson. The 45-year-old retired fighter pointed to his 2017 rematch against longtime rival Jon Jones at UFC 214, where he believes a lapse in focus led to his downfall in the Octagon.

Cormier described how the fight unfolded in Anaheim, California, on July 29, 2017. He entered the bout in strong condition and started effectively, defending against Jones' attacks. "I was in shape, we were fighting, I was fighting really well, and then he kicked me in the body, right? I was like, OK. Then he tried to head kick me and I was like, Nope!" Cormier recounted. Feeling confident, he admitted to straying from his usual disciplined approach. "I started feeling so good that I lost focus. Now I'm like, being arrogant, talking to him doing all those things when that never was me. I was always so locked in. That's why I was so good. When I was in there, bro, it was like tunnel vision."

That momentary arrogance proved costly when Jones landed a head kick in the third round, knocking...