UFC 187
| Company type | Mixed martial arts event |
|---|---|
| Industry | Sports entertainment |
| Founded | May 23, 2015 |
| Headquarters | Las Vegas, Nevada , United States |
| Products | Mixed martial arts bouts |
UFC 187: Johnson vs. Cormier took place on May 23, 2015, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena located in Las Vegas, Nevada, showcasing a mixed martial arts event.
Background
Originally, the main event was scheduled to feature a UFC Light Heavyweight Championship clash between reigning champion Jon Jones and leading contender Anthony Johnson. However, after Jones became involved in a hit-and-run incident on April 28, the UFC revoked his title and imposed an indefinite suspension. Former challenger Daniel Cormier, who had been slated to face Ryan Bader at UFC Fight Night 68, stepped in as Jones' replacement.
The event’s co-headliner highlighted a UFC Middleweight Championship fight with champion Chris Weidman defending against former Light Heavyweight titleholder and UFC 12 Heavyweight Tournament winner Vitor Belfort. This bout had experienced several delays due to Belfort’s withdrawal over the Nevada State Athletic Commission’s prohibition of testosterone replacement therapy and injuries sustained by Weidman.
A scheduled UFC Lightweight Championship title eliminator featuring top-ranked contenders Khabib Nurmagomedov and Donald Cerrone underwent changes when Nurmagomedov pulled out because of a knee injury. His spot was filled by John Makdessi.
Sean Spencer was initially booked to compete against Mike Pyle, but injury forced Spencer to withdraw, leading to his replacement by Colby Covington.
Nina Ansaroff failed to make weight by 4 pounds and incurred a penalty of 20% of her fight purse, which was awarded to opponent Rose Namajunas. Nevertheless, Ansaroff later withdrew from the bout due to illness, resulting in its cancellation.
During the Fox Sports 1 preliminary broadcast, the UFC announced that fighters B.J. Penn, Bas Rutten, and the late Jeff Blatnick would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame during "International Fight Week" in July, coinciding with the upcoming UFC 189 event.
Jones' hit-and-run incident
On April 26, reports surfaced indicating that Jones had been removed from an upcoming card amid news that he was being sought for questioning in connection with a hit-and-run accident in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where he resides. The Albuquerque Police Department identified Jones as a suspect but had not yet made contact with him. The UFC acknowledged the ongoing investigation and stated they were collecting information before releasing further statements.
The next day, authorities revealed that Jones allegedly fled the accident scene but returned shortly after to retrieve "a large handful of cash." Officers discovered documents bearing Jones' name inside the rental vehicle involved in the incident, along with marijuana and a pipe. Initially treated as a misdemeanor case, it escalated to felony charges when the victim—a pregnant woman—sustained a broken bone. Jones faced potential penalties including up to three years imprisonment and fines. An arrest warrant was issued, and Jones subsequently surrendered under arrangements made by his attorney.
Jones posted bail set at $2,500 and was released from Bernalillo County Metro Detention Center that same evening. On April 28, following these developments, the UFC announced that Jones had been stripped of his championship belt and suspended indefinitely due to his alleged role in the incident.
Bonus awards
A $50,000 bonus was awarded to fighters who delivered exceptional performances:
- Fight of the Night: Andrei Arlovski vs. Travis Browne
- Performance of the Night: Daniel Cormier and Chris Weidman
Reported payout
The following fighter earnings were reported to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, not accounting for sponsorship deals or UFC "fight night" bonuses:
- Daniel Cormier: $180,000 (including a $90,000 victory bonus) defeated Anthony Johnson: $500,000
- Chris Weidman: $500,000 (including a $250,000 victory bonus) defeated Vitor Belfort: $300,000
- Donald Cerrone: $152,000 (including a $76,000 victory bonus) defeated John Makdessi: $30,000
- Andrei Arlovski: $84,000 (including a $42,000 victory bonus) defeated Travis Browne: $60,000
- Joseph Benavidez: $106,000 (including a $53,000 victory bonus) defeated John Moraga: $28,000
- John Dodson: $40,000 (including a $20,000 victory bonus) defeated Zach Makovsky: $19,000
- Dong Hyun Kim: $116,000 (including a $58,000 victory bonus) defeated Josh Burkman: $45,000
- Rafael Natal: $70,000 (including a $35,000 victory bonus) defeated Uriah Hall: $14,000
- Colby Covington: $24,000 (including a $12,000 victory bonus) defeated Mike Pyle: $51,000
- Islam Makhachev: $20,000 (including a $10,000 victory bonus) defeated Leo Kuntz: $10,000
- Justin Scoggins: $30,000 (including a $15,000 victory bonus) defeated Josh Sampo: $13,000