A UFC 178 media day in Las Vegas featuring UFC light heavyweight champion Jon Jones and No. 1 contender Daniel Cormier erupted Monday when the pair came to blows while squaring off. Cormier shoved Jones for pressing his forehead into the Olympian. UFC executive Dave Sholler did his best to restrain Jones, who pushed him aside while throwing punches at Cormier. After the two crashed off the stage and were separated by security, they continued their beef over social media.

I put you on your back in six seconds — Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) August 4, 2014

"@JonnyBones: Come on DC where was your takedown defense?" I got some td def for you. Don't ever put ur dirty face on me again. — Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) August 4, 2014

@JonnyBones u hit like a bitch. Better be kicking because I will eat ur punches all day. Ur a punk. I can't wait to beat u up. My goodness — Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) August 4, 2014

I won't let another man get in my face and put his forehead against mine. I will react every time. @JonnyBones next time I will slap you. — Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) August 4, 2014

Put some ice on that face DC, you got lots of interviews tomorrow — Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) August 4, 2014

Lol those baby punches from the bottom, I really hope you have more prepared than that for when I take you down again — Jon Bones Jones (@JonnyBones) August 4, 2014

Absent from the media event while on vacation, UFC president Dana White chimed in not long after word reached him.

I just landed in Bora Bora for my first vacation in a while and it's starting off perfect!!! @dc_mma and @JonnyBones — Dana White (@danawhite) August 4, 2014

Here's how the rest of the MMA world reacted to the action:

Note to self. When having the #1 and #2 light heavyweights in the world face-off don't put 145 pound public relations employee between them. — Tim Kennedy (@TimKennedyMMA) August 4, 2014

Whatever happened to the professionalism in professional athletes?? — Rich Franklin (@RichFranklin) August 4, 2014

A face off is not a chance to get in someone's face & start making contact w/em. If you get shoved you deserved it http://t.co/HVLhRkPEQD — Josh Barnett (@JoshLBarnett) August 4, 2014

Everybody is talking about the brawl, but it's sad. It's things like that fans enjoy but mainstream major... http://t.co/SPrE5M8HSm — Anthony Johnson (@Anthony_Rumble) August 4, 2014

@dc_mma @JonnyBones Chances are you 2 will not read this but what you've done is bad for the sport. I would stop talking about it. — Matt Hughes (@matthughes9x) August 4, 2014

That Jones/ Cormier scuffle at the press conference was beautiful, I can't stop watching!!! #UFC — Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunsonMMA) August 4, 2014

Yes they look nervous and forget about respect right. I think it's gonna be a very interesting fight.... http://t.co/VH4ZEtkpRV — Junior Dos Santos (@junior_cigano) August 4, 2014

I didn't throw a punch. Reached down to grab his arms. I pulled dc out. Watch the slow motion vid and you'll see. I broke it up... — malki kawa (@malkikawa) August 4, 2014

I bet you weren't expecting all that excitement lol @Sholler_UFC I hope you're ok buddy — Brad Tavares (@BradTavares) August 4, 2014

"@moneil87: @BrianStann is there any chance the athletic commission suspends both guys?" Dont know, hope no fans were hurt — Brian Stann (@BrianStann) August 4, 2014

Exact reason i dont let ppl close the distance during stare downs http://t.co/fiIoSxqGaW — Rory MacDonald (@rory_macdonald) August 4, 2014

"@Tank2526: @BrianStann doesn't this make ufc look bad and un professional?" No it happens in the fight game, cannot become common though — Brian Stann (@BrianStann) August 4, 2014

Hope jones puts a beat down on Cormier for that punk move — Darth Tank (@TankScogginsMMA) August 4, 2014

Shoving, throwing punches, Shoes!? But @Sholler_UFC trying to hold JBJ made me laugh the hardest, tough task for anyone, not our best moment — Brian Stann (@BrianStann) August 4, 2014

As unprofessional as a fight at a press conference is it gets people excited about the fight, I got fired up! — ike vallie-flagg (@IKEVF) August 4, 2014

If you really want questions asked of the UFCs disciplinary actions the best people to ask would be....MMA media. Don't all jump at once. — Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) August 4, 2014

....in DCs defense who hasn't wanted to mush Jon Jones. Gotta be irresistible if your that close — Marcelino Evil (@KCBanditMMA) August 4, 2014