Cormier retains title, Johnson and Cote both retire in defeat

BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP) — Daniel Cormier beat Anthony Johnson for the second time, using a submission victory to retain the light-heavyweight championship in the main event of UFC 210 on Saturday night.

With tears in his eyes, Johnson announced his retirement inside the octagon, saying “it’s time for me to do something else.”

Cormier edged Johnson at UFC 187 in 2015 by submission, and he won with a rear-naked choke at the KeyBank Center.

Jon Jones, the former light-heavyweight champ, looked on from cageside and stretched his arms in approval as the crowd went wild. Three months from completing a year-long doping ban, Jones said he was focused on reclaiming the title he’s lost twice due to suspensions.

Cormier wanted nothing to do with Jones’ posturing, saying, “don’t talk to me about a guy who’s ineligible. When you get your (act) together, I’ll be here waiting to fight.”

Canada’s Patrick Cote is also calling it a career. The 37-year-old from Montreal dropped a unanimous decision to Americanbased Brazilian Thiago Alves in a welterweight bout.

Moments after the match, Cote dropped his gloves in the octagon and told the crowd that he was finished.

“Win or lose, it would be my last fight,” said Cote (24-11-0), who returned to action Saturday night after a 10-month absence. It was his first fight since being dominated by Donald Cerrone last June in Ottawa.