Daniel Cormier dispatches Anthony Johnson, then delivers shout-out to Jon Jones

Daniel Cormier took his share of shots from Anthony Johnson in their fight for the vacant light heavyweight title at UFC 187 on Saturday night at the MGM Grand.

But after he claimed the title with a rear naked choke in the third round, Cormier delivered perhaps his biggest shot.

"I have a message for one man," Cormier said during his postfight interview with Joe Rogan. "Jon Jones, get your [expletive] together. I'm waiting for you."

Jones is the former champion who was suspended indefinitely by the UFC last month after being arrested and charged with a felony for leaving the scene of an accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Cormier (16-1) lost handily to Jones by unanimous decision last January at UFC 182.

In the opening minute of the first round, Johnson dropped Cormier with a huge right hand. Cormier recovered and survived the round. The two-time U.S. Olympic wrestler was able to control Johnson in the next two rounds, including lifting him off his feet and dumping him to the canvas.

"He did everything I thought he was going to do," Johnson said. "I have nothing but respect for him. Have you seen the size of his melon? I wasn't surprised he could take [the punches]."

By Mark La Monica

mark.lamonica@newsday.comLaMonicaMark

Mark La Monica is a deputy sports editor at Newsday. He also covers mixed martial arts.