Probably not, but if that's the case, I think the answer is to make Jones prove himself with a tune up fight rather than "punishing" DC over something he had nothing to do with.
Or just go into it with a clear path towards a last minute replacement, if needed. Have Jimi booked on the card facing another opponent and negotiate ahead of time with all involved that he would be next man up if the main event winds up in jeopardy. And don't build the whole card around that one title fight. Have a title co-main that people will be interested in.
Rumble basically threw the fight so he could retire and go do whatever it is that awaits him outside the UFC. That's why his corner didn't stick around after the fight. Totally ignored the gameplan and took an L on purpose.
Nah. He didn't throw the fight. He didn't get the early KO, fought stupidly, then folded after gassing out. We've seen that song and dance from Rumble before plenty of times. He's hellacious as it comes physically, but just doesn't have the mental toughness to be a UFC champ. If you took Patrick Cote's heart and will and put it in Rumble's body, the dude would be a hall of famer.