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UFC 187: Keys to Victory for Johnson, Cormier, Weidman and Belfort

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.

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UFC 187’s Travis Browne on Andrei Arlovski’s Chin, New Coaches, HW Title Shot

Fighting a friend and former training partner is never ideal, but in a sport like MMA, sometimes you have to strap the gloves tight, shake on it and throw hands at your brother’s face.
Such is the case for the UFC 187 tilt between Travis “Hapa” B…

Fighting a friend and former training partner is never ideal, but in a sport like MMA, sometimes you have to strap the gloves tight, shake on it and throw hands at your brother’s face.

Such is the case for the UFC 187 tilt between Travis “Hapa” Browne and Andrei “The Pit Bull” Arlovski.

The two top-10 heavyweights trained together for roughly two years at the esteemed Jackson-Winkeljohn fight camp in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where they learned from each other and pushed each other on a daily basis.

Browne has since moved on to California’s Glendale Fighting Club, but the towering 6’7″ Hawaiian told Bleacher Report the days spent trading blows with Arlovski are not forgotten. These sparring sessions gave him vital insight into Arlovski and his MMA game, lending him knowledge and insight he feels others may not recognize.

“One thing I’ve really noticed about him is his ability to take shots,” Browne said. “Being a buddy of his for the longest time, for two years or so, that was one thing that really stood out to me. In the past, people would say he has a problem with his chin and stuff like that, but I don’t agree. The guy has fought some of the biggest guys out there, and I feel like he’s right back in there in the mix. He can take shots with the best of them.

“The thing with Andrei, too, is that he’s an athlete. He’s always changing his game; he’s always making adjustments. He’s very good at different techniques, and he can game plan.”

That said, Browne knows better than to hang all of his expectations on the past. He knows how much he’s evolved since his time at Jackson-Winkeljohn’s, and he understands Arlovski has experienced similar growth and change.

“He changes every time he fights, and I change every time I fight,” Browne said. “I feel like I might have an idea of what goes on at Jackson-Winkeljohn’s, but at the same time, that’s why Coach Jackson and Coach Winkeljohn are considered some of the best. They’re able to game plan and bring the best out of their athletes.”

One thing Browne is sure about, however, is there’s not going to be a letdown for the fans when the two step into the cage. They’re cordial and respectful of each other’s skill, sure, but they’re not going to let feelings get in the way of a good old-fashioned throwdown.

“Him and I fighting each other are like two brothers fighting,” Browne said. “I have no hesitation in going out there and fighting him, and he doesn’t have any hesitation in going out there and fighting me, so it’s not going to be a game of patty-cake. We’re going out there to fight and provide for our fans.”

Training under coaches Edmond Tarverdyan, Neil Melanson and Ricky Lundell at Glendale Fighting Club, Browne hopes to show off his improvements in full Saturday evening in Las Vegas. His first fight under their tutelage—a first-round stoppage of Brendan Schaub at UFC 181 in December 2014—was impressive, and it helped to prove to fans and critics why he made the jump to California.

While many questioned his decision to leave the high-profile Albuquerque-based camp, Browne said he feels more comfortable and better prepared than ever heading into his fight opposite The Pit Bull.

“I feel like every time I train, I’m moving so far forward. I’m constantly evolving,” Browne said. “For me, what’s really worked out with Coach Edmond, and having Neal and Ricky here, is that I don’t get lost in any kind of a shuffle. My camp is made specifically for me and what I need.

“The one thing I’ve learned about this sport is that it’s OK to be selfish at times. That’s [training for a fight is] one of the times that every fighter should be selfish.”

Should he defeat Arlovski at UFC 187, Browne might need to get a little selfish in his bid for the UFC heavyweight title.

Hapa is currently ranked No. 3 in the UFC’s heavyweight division, and a win over the No. 8 Arlovski puts him on a two-fight winning streak, giving him a strong case to face the winner of UFC 188’s main event in June between champion Cain Velasquez and interim champion Fabricio Werdum.

To Browne, though, there’s no rush for gold. The title will be there. As long as he keeps winning, the UFC won’t have a choice but to give him his shot, and he intends to make the most of it when it comes.

“The title shot, the way I look at it is I just have to go out there and do my job,” Browne said. “If I keep winning fights, there’s no way they can’t give me that title shot. So that’s definitely something that’s on my mind but not necessarily right now at the forefront. I have to go out there and win the fight first then get ready.”

If the path to the title means taking another fight or two in the meantime, that’d be just fine, too. Browne is relaxed and patient, and he knows he’ll be ready to pounce when the light turns green.

“Yeah, [I’d be OK with taking another fight before the title shot]. I mean, it’s what the UFC wants. At the end of the day, it’s their world,” Browne said. “We fight in the UFC. It’s not my company, so if they say, ‘Hey, we want you to fight [No. 4-ranked heavyweight] Stipe [Miocic],’ then I feel like I have the heart of a champion, and we have to be ready to fight anybody. When you’re the champ, you take on all newcomers, so it is what it is.”

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC 187 Betting Preview: Anthony Johnson vs. Daniel Cormier Odds, Matchup Stats

Jon Jones’ relinquished light heavyweight title belt will be on the line Saturday night at UFC 187 as No. 1 contender Anthony Johnson faces No. 3 challenger Daniel Cormier, who will get his second shot to win that championship this year.
Despite being …

Despite being the higher-ranked UFC fighter heading into the championship bout, Johnson is the even-money underdog, while Cormier is the 10-13 favorite (bet $130 to win $100) for the main event.

Cormier lost a unanimous decision to Jones at UFC 182 on January 3, suffering the first setback of his MMA career after 15 consecutive wins.

The former Olympic wrestler is best known for winning the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix tournament as a replacement entry for Alistair Overeem three years ago, and he will be fighting at 205 pounds for the fourth time in the UFC.

Meanwhile, Johnson (19-4) is coming off an impressive first-round knockout of former No. 1 contender Alexander Gustafsson on his home turf in Sweden on January 24. That event was billed as a light heavyweight title eliminator bout with Gustafsson a 1-3 favorite coming off a tough UD loss to Jones in his previous fight.

Johnson has won three in a row since returning to the UFC following six combined wins outside the organization, including three in the World Series of Fighting.

Johnson’s last loss came against top middleweight contender Vitor Belfort, who will be battling champion Chris Weidman for the title belt in the co-main event. Johnson fought Belfort at a catchweight of 197 pounds after missing weight at UFC 142 and was submitted via rear-naked choke with 11 seconds left in the first round.

Belfort (24-10) has been installed as a 7-2 underdog against the unbeaten Weidman (12-0), who is a massive 1-5 favorite.

The two have been trying to put together this matchup for more than a year, as Belfort was banned from using testosterone replacement therapy for UFC 173, and then Weidman had to postpone fighting new opponents since beating his replacement, Lyoto Machida, there due to hand and rib injuries.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC 187: Why Things Will Be Different This Time for Daniel Cormier

Daniel Cormier will get another title shot just five months after his last. A thank you note to Jon Jones should be in the mail.
On Saturday, Cormier headlines UFC 187 opposite No. 1-ranked Anthony Johnson for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title. An…

Daniel Cormier will get another title shot just five months after his last. A thank you note to Jon Jones should be in the mail.

On Saturday, Cormier headlines UFC 187 opposite No. 1-ranked Anthony Johnson for the vacant UFC light heavyweight title. And this time, you can expect Cormier to wear gold at the end of the night.

Why will this contest be different?

When Johnson said the matchup with Cormier would be more difficult than Jones, I agreed.

Styles make fights, and Cormier‘s style is a terrible matchup for what Johnson brings to the cage. Johnson has massive power and excellent athleticism, but Cormier‘s grinding style should be able to nullify him in the early rounds.

At heavyweight, Cormier was dealing with bigger men and heavier punchers. Johnson won’t surprise Cormier with anything in the cage. Cormier has outclassed most with his wrestling with the lone exception of Jones. Johnson does not pose the same issues that Jones did in the cage.

There is little concern that Johnson will be able to stop a Cormier takedown.

Johnson is a threat to knock out anyone. The issue with this matchup is that Cormier has splendid defensive boxing and a good chin. Johnson will have a hard time locating the chin of Cormier for another impressive KO. Is it possible? Absolutely. But Cormier will not give him the space.

Cormier is aggressive. Johnson needs space to throw big power shots, and Cormier will close the distance quickly. Even if he fails to take Johnson down, Cormier will put his back against the fence and grind out the early rounds. Johnson’s history of fading as the fight wears on will pop back up as he struggles with Cormier‘s clinch game.

Cardio will play an important factor.

Once tired, Johnson is toast. Cormier will be able to finish a sluggish Johnson in the later rounds.

UFC 187 is the perfect title matchup to make Cormier look like the elite fighter he is. On a basic level, this matchup reminds me a lot of Randy Couture vs. Vitor Belfort—the dynamic striker who is more athletic against the grinding wrestler who will outwork most everyone. Johnson has the proverbial “puncher’s chance,” but that is all.

The key to this fight is the first round. If Cormier puts Johnson on his back, either against the fence or on the canvas, Johnson will struggle the rest of the way.

Cormier struggled with Jones’ physical stature, but Johnson cannot replicate that. This matchup plays out perfectly for the Oklahoma State Sooner.

Things will be different for Cormier. He’s not fighting the king of the division.

UFC 187 is the time for Cormier to claim gold. It is a preferable stylistic matchup against a man who has a history of fading. The highlight reel takedowns that Cormier has had in his MMA career are likely to continue against “Rumble.” Eventually, the pressure will wilt Johnson.

In Jones’ absence, Cormier is the best this division has to offer. That will be evident Saturday evening.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com

UFC 187 Bold Predictions: Who Picks Up the Pieces After Jon Jones’ Suspension?

Like a desert mirage, these big-time UFC pay-per-views have a way of looking different from up close.
Take UFC 187 for example. We once thought Jon Jones would be there, defending his light heavyweight championship for the ninth time. For a while, we e…

Like a desert mirage, these big-time UFC pay-per-views have a way of looking different from up close.

Take UFC 187 for example. We once thought Jon Jones would be there, defending his light heavyweight championship for the ninth time. For a while, we even thought Khabib Nurmagomedov was coming to Las Vegas to claim the No. 1 contender spot at lightweight.

When the event actually happens on Saturday, however, the landscape will be much different.

Jones is suspended indefinitely, having been ordered to get his life together after he was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run accident in New Mexico. Nurmagomedov is injured again.

Instead, we’re getting Daniel Cormier and John Makdessi, respectively, and what once looked like a potentially historic card now merely looks really good. But really good is still really good, right?

As always, bold predictions are required. Here, MMA lead writers Chad Dundas (that’s me) and Jonathan Snowden take their best shots at predicting the unpredictable.

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UFC 187: A Complete A-to-Z Preview

(This seems like a good a time as any to remind you that this is a thing that exists.)

By Nasir Jabbar

Nation, UFC 187 is approaching us, and what was once being touted as one of the greatest cards in Zuffa history is now simply “a very good one.” The card took some bumps and bruises — quite literally when original UFC 187 headliner Jon Jones broke a pregnant lady’s arm during his now infamous hit-and-run (too soon?) — but nonetheless, there’s still two title fights and a few important match-ups to determine the next line of challengers to look forward too.

So you know the drill, instead of the same ol’ recycled text recapping each fighter’s recent matches and predicting how they will win this weekend, I’ve compiled an A-to-Z list previewing each and every aspect of UFC 187. Join me?

The post UFC 187: A Complete A-to-Z Preview appeared first on Cagepotato.

(This seems like a good a time as any to remind you that this is a thing that exists.)

By Nasir Jabbar

A is for Animal
Once the new title fight was arranged, Daniel Cormier didn’t waste time heating things up by belittling Anthony Johnson‘s past performances in particular his defeat to former-teammate Josh Koscheck. “Rumble” refutes his claims insisting he’s a different kind of animal now.

B is for Blackzillians
After much scrutinised criticism aimed at the team, the Florida-based camp are now flourishing, having picked up their first major MMA title (Eddie Alvarez capturing the Bellator lightweight strap) and sitting on the brink of two coveted UFC titles, with Johnson and Vitor Belfort.

C is for Clinch
Johnson has had problems stuffing takedowns from the clinch, an area where his opponent specialises in landing effective blows and takedowns. Johnson displayed his improved takedown defence in the victory over Phil Davis, but faces a more difficult challenge in the former-Olympian.

D is for Dagestan
Islam Makhachev is the latest product to come out of Dagestan, the region has served as a conveyor belt feeding some of the best talent to the sport. The undefeated-lightweight will make his UFC debut as he takes on Leo Kuntz.

E is for Ex-Champion
If/When Jones returns, he’ll be known as the ex-champion. I really don’t have much to add to that, other than that I’m still having trouble processing it.

F is for Flyweights
The 125lbs division will be heavily featured at UFC 187, with the returning John Dodson, Joseph Benavidez, John Moraga, Zach Makovsky, Justin Scoggins and Josh Sampo all in action. So suck on that, Bisping!

G is for Greed/Garbage
For the UFC 187 competitors, this will be their final fight until the Reebok deal kicks in. The pay structure was revealed last week, and let’s just say that the only thing uglier than the figures have been how many fighters have reacted. Like the majority of Reebok’s gear, it don’t look pretty.

H is for Hit-and-Run
A reference to the mishap which ultimately cost Jones his UFC title and many lucrative sponsors, or a comment on the fighting style of John Dodson? YOU DECIDE.

I is for Inactivity
Chris Weidman and Belfort share a combined 27-months of inactivity. Donald Cerrone has fought seven times in that span. Seven.

J is for Jon Jones
Seriously, god damn it, Jon.

K is for Khabib Nurmagomedov
The Russian phenom has once again got himself injured and subsequently pulled from another scheduled fight with ‘Cowboy’.

L is for Las Vegas
UFC 187 will be the first combat sports event in Las Vegas since the financial behemoth that was Mayweather vs. Pacquaio. Is the city still reeling from a hangover, and just how bad will this effect UFC’s business in Sin City?

M is for MMA Math
Travis Browne was knocked out by “Bigfoot”, who himself got knocked out by Andrei Arlovski. MMA Math would suggest Arlovski knock out Browne. Will this come to fruition?

N is for Narrative
If Cormier emerges victorious, a possible mega-fight with Jones could be in the offing. Their first fight was successful on pay-per-view, was competitive enough to warrant a rematch, and they’ve still got beef to boot. Of course, Johnson provides a stern test, and more importantly, Jones faces an uphill struggle just to get back into the MMA bubble. Still, what a storyline it might entail.

O is for Obstacles
Jones’ manager indicated that we may have seen the last of him, but the New York native is still fairly young and has time to rebuild his professional career. I guess you could say that there are many legal *obstacles* in the way for the former champ. (*winks to camera*)

P is for “Punk”
The winner of the light-heavyweight title bout is a “Punk.” Well, according to Chael Sonnen.

Q is for Question
Some questioned the UFC’s decision to insert Cormier into the title picture on the heels of a title defeat. However, the man he was originally expected to face, Ryan Bader, has yet to fight for a world title and is currently riding a four-fight win streak. Just sayin’, the TUF winner *could* have been a worthy challenger.

R is for Risky
With Khabib having gone down with an injury yet again, Cerrone is now set to take on John Makdessi, the unranked Canadian is a dangerous opponent and a risky proposition giving his status in the division.

S is for Sparring
Cormier has alluded to the fact that not having Cain Velasquez around during preparation for Jon Jones was ultimately the deciding factor in his loss. The heavyweight champion has now recovered from his ongoing injuries (for now), which allowed him to help Comrier train for Johnson.

T is for Take Four
Weidman vs. Belfort has been scratched from the following shows: UFC 173, 181 and 184. Pray with us Nation. Pray that neither Weidman or Belfort slip in the sauna tomorrow night.

U is for “Unfair”
Vitor Belfort spoke about his frustration of the extensive drug-testing, even stating that it was, wait for it, “unfair”. This guy. Belfort is synonymous with a few things; fast hands, animal/Jesus metaphors, and a chequered drug past. Having been busted for PED’s and violated the limits of the pesky TRT, such claim seems ridiculous.

V is for Vacant
As a result of Jones’ tribulation, Johnson and Cormier will fight for the vacant UFC light-heavyweight championship. (Not all of these are mind-blowers.)

W is for What Could of Been
Us MMA fans just can’t have nice things.

X is for X-Factor
Has anyone else ever gotten stuck in a Youtube hole that began with an Anthony Johnson highlight reel and ended with a “Top 20 X-Factor Auditions of All Time” compilation?

Y is Youth
Despite suffering defeats, both Scoggins and Rose Namajunas are still green and have youth on their side as they try to re emerge as potential challengers.

Z is for Zzz
MMA Math to aside, either Browne or Arlovski is getting put to sleep.

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