Daniel Cormier Congratulates Jon Jones, Apologizes to John McCarthy After KO

Daniel Cormier has taken to social media to congratulate Jon Jones on his knockout victory at UFC 214 on Saturday and apologize to referee John McCarthy.

Cormier wrote on Instagram:

"First off, thank you all for the kind words. I have felt the support. Congratulations to Jon Jones and his team. They did a phenomenal job and got the victory. Also, to Big John McCarthy, I would like to apologize for acting up with you. I am thankful for the time you gave me to try and defend myself and stay in the fight. You are the best in the business for a reason.

"I also wanna thank my team and my coaches. I love you all from the bottom of my heart. Your time and energy is greatly appreciated. You guys did a wonderful job, I was ready. It's a fist fight and things happen. Dana White and the @ufc, thank you for being the premiere organization in all of MMA. Again, congrats to Team Jones and JacksonWink. Love you all. I'll see you soon."

Jones won via a head kick and punches in the third round, prompting McCarthy to stop the fight, which Cormier contested in the aftermath.    

Jones was magnanimous in victory and described Cormier as an "amazing man" and a "true champion" after their clash in the Octagon, before embracing his opponent, per the UFC's official YouTube channel:

Meanwhile, McCarthy responded to DC's apology with some kind words on Twitter:

The official also explained that, if anything, he should have ended the fight slightly earlier:

The defeat was just the second of Cormier's MMA career, with both coming to Bones. His record now sits at 19-2.

Jones regained the light heavyweight belt he vacated after his first clash with Cormier, who had held it in the interim after beating Anthony "Rumble" Johnson.

It would not be overly surprising if Cormier, 38, were to retire following the defeat. If he does continue, there won't be nearly as much appetite for another rematch with Jones.

What's more, Jones has his sights set on heavyweight Brock Lesnar. After his match with Cormier, he said, "Brock Lesnar, if you want to know what it feels like to get your ass kicked by someone who weighs 40 pounds less than you, meet me in the Octagon."

Jones weighed in at 204.5 pounds against Cormier; Lesnar checked in at 265.5 in his last fight with Mark Hunt at UFC 200.