UFC Star Daniel Cormier Accuses Manager of Betrayal in Jon Jones Saga
The Accusations
UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier has accused his former manager, Anthony Johnson, of betrayal in the wake of his recent loss to Jon Jones. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Cormier said that Johnson "sold him out" by negotiating a rematch with Jones without his knowledge or consent.
"I was on vacation when I found out that he had signed me to a rematch with Jones," Cormier said. "I was completely blindsided. I didn't know anything about it. He didn't even tell me he was talking to Jones' team. I felt like I had been betrayed."
Cormier said that he had trusted Johnson to look out for his best interests, but that he felt like he had been taken advantage of.
"I thought we had a good relationship," Cormier said. "But I guess I was wrong. He put his own interests ahead of mine, and I'm really disappointed in him."
Johnson's Defense
Johnson has denied the accusations, saying that he was acting in Cormier's best interests when he signed the rematch with Jones. He said that he believed that Cormier had a good chance of winning the rematch and that it was the best opportunity for him to get his title back.
"I would never do anything to hurt Daniel," Johnson said. "I've known him for over 15 years and I consider him a brother. I believe that I made the best decision for him, and I'm confident that he will win the rematch."
The Fallout
The accusations have put a strain on the relationship between Cormier and Johnson. Cormier said that he is not sure if he will ever be able to trust Johnson again.
"I don't know if we can ever go back to the way things were," Cormier said. "I'm really disappointed in him. He betrayed my trust."
Johnson said that he is hopeful that he and Cormier can eventually reconcile.
"I hope that we can get past this," Johnson said. "I still care about Daniel and I want to see him succeed. I hope that one day he will understand that I was only trying to do what was best for him."