![]() ![]() Since entering the sport in 2009, Cormier ran through his heavyweight competition with superior wrestling and ever-improving striking. Cormier weathered the early storm from Anthony “Rumble” Johnson and took the fight over in the second round, dominating the explosive striker on the mat and eventually wrapping up the rear-naked choke submission victory to win the title he had been seeking for years. The elusive UFC title win came after Cormier’s first and only career defeat, a devastating five-round decision loss at the hands of the former champion Jones. The Louisiana native finally reached the ultimate goal he had set for himself when he debuted in MMA in 2009. With championship belt in hand, Cormier brings superior athleticism and a unique personality that appeals to fighters and fans alike. Which of these former Jones opponents will prove to be the next-best light heavyweight? Furthermore, will they be fighting Jones next or a different challenger?Īittama: With the absence of Jones from the UFC’s light heavyweight division, Cormier has emerged as the man at 205 pounds. That man, Alexander Gustafsson, came extremely close to beating Jones. Now, he meets another fighter who was on the losing end of a fight with Jones. ![]() Once Jones was out of the way, Daniel Cormier was able to claim the belt. Combat Press writers Zach Aittama and Bryan Henderson preview the event in this edition of Toe-to-Toe.įormer champion Jon Jones blocked the path for any other light heavyweight seeking UFC gold. Then it’s off to pay-per-view for the main card at 10 p.m. The preliminary card begins on UFC Fight Pass at 7 p.m. The 13-fight card takes place at the Toyota Center in Houston. The prelims feature former flyweight title challenger Joseph Benavidez and women’s strawweight standout Rose Namajunas. ![]() Hard-hitting heavyweight Shawn Jordan fights Ruslan Magomedov, and women’s bantamweight contenders Jessica Eye and Julianna Pena round out the pay-per-view lineup. Former light heavyweight kingpin Rashad Evans returns after a two-year absence to fight overlooked contender Ryan Bader in another featured main-card bout. Former welterweight champion Johny Hendricks is set for a showdown with rising contender Tyron Woodley in the co-headliner. The title tilt tops a surprisingly stacked card that features a number of past champions, title challengers and perennial contenders. ![]()
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