UFC 187 will feature four of the most dominant fighters in the world today. Anthony Johnson, Daniel Cormier, Chris Weidman and Vitor Belfort will be featured in the main and co-main event, respectively. Johnson and Cormier will do battle to lay claim to the vacant light heavyweight title, while the long-awaited matchup between Weidman and Belfort serves as an explosive and unpredictable middleweight championship bout.
Anthony Johnson vs. Daniel Cormier
Despite the way in which the light heavyweight championship came about (the stripping of Jon Jones’ title after being involved in a hit-and-run incident), many believe the new main event will live up to expectations. In fact, Johnson believes Cormier presents a greater challenge than the former 205-pound champion in Jones.
Per Mike Bohn and John Morgan of MMAjunkie, Johnson stated:
I really mean (this is a tougher fight). This is DC’s second chance. When people get second chances, they tend to go a little bit harder. He’s going to come at me like a bulldog and I expect that. The fact that I expect it means it won’t surprise me with anything he brings. I know what I’m getting myself into and so does he.
UFC 187 will mark Cormier‘s second chance at the light heavyweight title, leaving no doubt that he will be “hungry” in his sophomore attempt to secure gold.
Chris Weidman vs. Vitor Belfort
The Weidman-Belfort matchup is highly anticipated among the world of mixed martial arts. The middleweight champion stands without a loss and defeated one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time in Anderson Silva (twice) in the process. Weidman is motivated to remain undefeated, and according to MMA Weekly, he has expressed interest in setting himself apart from the rest of the division.
My goal every time is to separate myself in the division and make a statement for the world, prove to myself where I think my abilities are, prove to my coaches what they think. So, I’m coming to this fight to make a statement. I’m doing this fight to look for a finish.
However, Belfort, with over 19 years of MMA experience, brings a wealth of knowledge to the Octagon and is 10-2 in his last 12 matchups (only having lost to then-champions Silva and Jones). He is a formidable opponent, and at 38 years old, the Brazilian fighter may be looking at his final championship title opportunity at UFC 187.
The following highlights each fighter’s keys to victory in their attempt to secure or maintain championship gold this Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.