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| Can 'Rumble' Johnson finally capture UFC gold? |
Current UFC Light Heavyweight champion Daniel 'DC' Cormier will look to defend his 205lbs title for a second time after claiming the vacant belt in a bout alongside 'Rumble' Johnson back at UFC 187 when he rematches 'Rumble' in the main event of UFC 210. Controversy surrounded the weigh ins yesterday morning, as champion Cormier weighed in 1.2 pounds above the 205lbs limit, putting his title fight rematch with Johnson in jeopardy, but just 2:24 later, 'DC' took to the scales once more, weighing in at 205lbs on the nose, while opponent Johnson hit the scales at 203.8lbs. Many noticed how on the second occasion, Cormier gripped the towel surrounding him, maybe a factor in displacing his weight, and many fighters and MMA journalists were quick to point out Cormier's possible trick on the NYSAC. Regardless the matchup is scheduled to go ahead despite the fiasco, but noticeably, Cormier looked incredibly depleted and drained after the ceremonial weigh in. Back at UFC 187, an early right hand from 'Rumble' almost handed him the title, and a flurry of strikes and head kicks seen Johnson gas towards the end of the first and second rounds. Cormier then untilised his Olympic level wrestling to drain 'Rumble' considerably, before finishing with a rear-naked choke in the third round. After the Johnson win, Cormier faced Swede striker Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 192 in Texas, and was put on the ropes on many occasions as he picked up a split decision victory to retain. A tantalising rematch between Cormier and his only conqueror Jon 'Bones' Jones awaited 'DC' at UFC 200, until a USADA flagging seen Jones pulled from the card. Former Middleweight kingpin Anderson 'The Spider' Silva stepped up to face Cormier, and was easily dispatched over three rounds as Daniel won via unanimous decision. After falling victim to Cormier's wrestling, Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson, went on an absolute tear, KO'ing Jimi Manuwa, Ryan Bader and a 13 second KO over Glover Teixeira reinstated him into the title picture. One aspect of Johnson's game that has always been suspect, is his gas tank, but a dejected and tired Cormier after yesterday's weigh ins, would have given 'Rumble' a huge confidence boost ahead of the contest. Cormier's keys for victory are his utilisation of his superior wrestling and grappling, his spacial awareness and avoidance of that rear uppercut and left switch kick. On the otherhand, Johnson must be patient and retain his gas tank as much as possible, and look to catch an oncoming Cormier with an uppercut or that sweet right hook, and avoid the always likely rag dolling of 'DC' Based on the lack of confidence and deteriorated Cormier yesterday, my pick is 'Rumble'.
Anthony Johnson via knockout.
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