Over the weekend, Daniel Cormier was forced to withdraw from his UFC 197 lightweight title defence against former champion Jon Jones.
It was to be Jones' first fight since his suspension due to a felony charge last April. Jones was stripped of his title after leaving the scene of a hit and run. Cormier subsequently beat Rumble Johnson to claim the vacant belt.
Initially, it was presumed Cormier vs Jones 2 would be rescheduled. Instead, Jones will fight number six ranked Ovince Saint Preux for the interim lightweight title.
Cormier appeared on the MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani on Monday and made an offer to aid Saint Preux in his bout again Jones. Cormier proposed that Saint Preux come and train with him in San Jose at the American Kickboxing Academy - he even offered to pay for travel expenses.
That offer was something which Jones took exception to on Twitter.
Willing to train OSP and is willing to pay for his expenses? You are a sheep in wolves clothing and I see right through you. pussy.
— BONY (@JonnyBones) April 4, 2016
In a succession of tweets aimed at Jones, Cormier hit back referencing the hit and run incident which cost Jones his belt and his rejection of a fight against Chael Sonnen at UFC 151.
He also called Jones a 'junkie', alluding to his positive test for cocaine and attendance of a rehab clinic.
Coward is running from the scene of a crime without checking on person you hurt. Coward is refusing to fight Gustafson. Coward is ufc 151
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) April 4, 2016
Jones you can't hurt me, u lunch like a bitch. Ur not winning decision next time. Just don't get ur dumb ass arrested again. Loser junkie
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) April 4, 2016
O my god jones is cool he took late notice fight, yea I'd fight osp too. I'd do it on 1 day notice. Harder fight you'd tuck ur tail again
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) April 4, 2016
Last tweet. Jon ur dumb! Like really dumb. Get off ur high horse and stop riding the white horse. Junkie , I'm gonna rip ur head off!
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) April 5, 2016
Jones questioned why Cormier would want to help Saint Preux if what he really wants is a rematch.
Daniel just please explain to us all why you would help OSP if you truly want to fight me and legitimize yourself as the champion?
— BONY (@JonnyBones) April 5, 2016
He also teased the possibility of a title fight at UFC 200 in July. Though that seems unlikely as - despite initial reports - Cormier will probably be out of action until August or September.
Change your tampon, ice your shinsplints and but ready for UFC 200. My practice is starting, I'll check in later for this answer of yours✌🏾️
— BONY (@JonnyBones) April 5, 2016
There were further tweets between the pair, but that's the best of it.
And here's a little reminder of why there's such animosity between Jones and Cormier.
At a media day before their fight at UFC 182, a brawl broke out between the two as they faced off.
