Despite a lackluster card below two solid co-main events, UFC 170 on Saturday night was a thrilling show that featured several top names who continued to cement their spots toward the top of their divisions.
The UFC is all about building top stars, and with women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey proving her superiority and Daniel Cormier dominating in his light heavyweight debut, UFC 170 was a success for president Dana White and company.
Here is what’s next for Saturday’s biggest winners.
Ronda Rousey
While Ronda Rousey did not rely on her patented armbar submission to finish her UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship bout against Sara McMann, she used a series of punches and knees to the body to force an early stoppage.
Rousey has proved once again just how dangerous she really is.
As great as the champion looked on Saturday night, there are questions about the depth of the division and the legitimacy of her competition. Those who question her reign should get a viable contender next after Alexis Davis defeated Jessica Eye via a hard-fought decision victory.
Davis has won each of her last five fights and eight of her last nine bouts, and she has looked dangerous standing up, on the ground and in the clinch. While Rousey still has the advantage as the unquestioned best fighter in the division, a battle against Davis would be a true test.
I’d still bet my money on the champ, though.
Daniel Cormier
As one of the most dominant heavyweights in Strikeforce when the company closed its doors, Daniel Cormier came to the UFC with an undefeated record and high expectations.
The wrestling extraordinaire beat Frank Mir and Roy Nelson via decision in his first two fights, but he made the decision to cut his weight and move down to the light heavyweight division.
After fighting the best heavyweights in the world for years, Cormier dominated Patrick Cummins via a first-round TKO and proved to the world that the move to the lighter weight class was the correct one.
While most fans would love to see Cormier take on his friend Rashad Evans in a battle for a No. 1 contender’s spot, the knee injury to Evans has spoiled that plan. Now, Cormier should be preparing for the winner of the Anthony Johnson vs. Phil Davis fight at UFC 172.
Regardless of which fighter comes out of that battle victorious, Cormier showcased his ability to use his wrestling to open up his striking. He will earn a shot for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship with another victory.
Cormier is the real deal at 205 pounds.
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