LAS VEGAS For the better part of an hour, Endicott's Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier each calmly explained why their upcoming fight was not personal.

Then the two stood toe-to-toe for a photo opportunity, and that all changed in an instant.

Ultimate Fighting Championship light heavyweight champion Jones and undefeated challenger Cormier were on stage in the lobby of the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino to promote their Sept. 27 pay-per-view headliner at UFC 178. While the two had been verbally sparring in social media exchanges, the incident quickly escalated when Jones went forehead-to-forehead with Cormier.

The challenger took exception to the move, responding by shoving Jones, a Union-Endicott graduate who lives in Ithaca when not in training. "Bones" then charged forward with a punch, and the two toppled off the stage in the ensuing melee.

UFC and MGM Grand staff and security eventually pulled the two apart and order was restored.

"No one was injured in the incident," UFC Senior Director of Public Relations Dave Sholler, who was between the two fighters when the clash started, said. "We classified it as uncharacteristic for both guys. We're fortunate that everybody is OK."

After the clash, Jones returned to the stage to celebrate with a guttural scream. Jones later sent out a series of Tweets from his handle @JonnyBones:

-- "Come on DC where was your takedown defense?"

-- "I put you on your back in six seconds"

-- "Put some ice on that face DC, you got lots of interviews tomorrow"

-- "Lol those baby punches from the bottom, I really hope you have more prepared than that for when I take you down again"
Jon Jones, Ultimate Fighting Championship (Sports Association), UFC 178, Daniel Cormier (Martial Artist), Jon Jones (Martial Artist), fight, brawl, mma,
Jon Jones (Martial Artist), UFC 178, Ultimate Fighting Championship (Sports Association), Daniel Cormier (Martial Artist), Martial Arts (Sport), Brawl,
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