The void left by Jon Jones’ absence in the light heavyweight division will remain a difficult fix.
But after Saturday’s main event at UFC 187, the 205-pound roster finally has a new champ to target.
On the heels of relentless grappling and outstanding conditioning, Daniel Cormier practically obliterated Anthony “Rumble” Johnson en route to capturing the light heavyweight title via a third-round rear-naked choke.
Here is what we learned from the ultra-important championship fight as DC solidified his spot among today’s elite fighters.
What We’ll Remember About This Fight
Cormier’s pressure, persistence and ability to overwhelm Johnson were the main things we will remember from this title fight.
Johnson was able to land in fashion when Cormier gave him distance, but he just didn’t do enough in close quarters to ward off DC’s wrestling.
Rumble’s inability to push Cormier off of him on the ground was also truly significant in this fight, which was a by-product of sapped energy and inferior technique.
All in all, the Olympian followed his cut-and-dry game plan to repel one of the best power punchers in the sport today.
What We Learned About Cormier
It’s no secret that Cormier’s pressure-cooking wrestling is arguably the best in the business.
At UFC 187, he showed that against a super athlete with freak power and worthwhile takedown defense.
Even after eating relentless combinations, head kicks and body shots, Cormier pushed forward like he does every day in the gym opposite UFC heavyweight kingpin Cain Velasquez.
Everything that Cormier displayed on Saturday is what you expect from a ground-and-pound, grind-’em-out light heavyweight who apparently has an iron chin.
What We Learned About Johnson
Taking nothing away from Johnson and his return to MMA prominence, he more or less laid down for Cormier at UFC 187.
He certainly had his opportunities to end the fight via knockout, but his lack of conditioning and inability to overcome adversity off his back ultimately cost him a UFC title.
We learned that if Johnson doesn’t land those fight-ending power shots in the first few minutes of the fight, he’ll fade when pushed.
It’s unfortunate because he’s one of the most likeable players in the 205-pound division today.
What’s Next for Cormier
If Jones is able to fight by the end of the year, then a rematch between the two is the only option at this point.
But if the former champ is not allowed to enter the Octagon in the near future, Ryan Bader is probably the most likely to challenge Cormier for his first title defense.
It may not be the most entertaining choice because DC’s wrestling will certainly take over once again, but Bader has earned his keep and was already scheduled to fight Cormier at UFC Fight Night 68 in June before the new champ filled in to fight Rumble.
However, if Alexander Gustafsson or Rashad Evans can get healthy fast, then they would serve as worthy contenders.
What’s Next for Johnson
At just 31 years of age, Johnson has a long future ahead of him in the UFC light heavyweight division.
His power is truly crowd pleasing and a staple of his game that will allow him to successfully promote in the future.
With that said, his conditioning was called into question on Saturday night, and he needs someone who is going to stand and exchange with him to get back on track.
Quinton “Rampage” Jackson is someone who fits that mold to a tee.
For more UFC 187 news and coverage, Follow @DHiergesell
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