In a fight that had a lot to live up to, Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson took on Daniel Cormier for the recently vacated UFC light heavyweight championship.
Within the first few seconds of the fight ‘Rumble’ hit DC with a right hook that nearly took him off of his feet. Johnson sensed that Cormier was vulnerable and went for yet another under-1 minute KO victory but DC was able to weather the storm. The rest of the first round was slowed by Cormier as he was able to pin Johnson against the octagon and recuperate.
The second round showed Cormier’s strength and ability to make between round adjustments. He limited AJ’s striking ability by closing the distance and finally landed a huge slam that led to him holding top control for the round. He tried to lock in a Kimura several times but he wasn’t able sink in the submission. The attempts were enough to give DC confidence entering the 3rd round and in the 3rd Cormier showed why he was undefeated before the Jon Jones fight.
Cormier was relentless in his attack of the winded Anthony Johnson. He used leg kicks and timely punches to counter ‘Rumble’s’ looping blows. Not long into the round Johnson slipped and that mistake spelled the beginning of the end for him. Cormier used the slip to gain control of Johnson and take his back. Once he had his back he was able to sink in the rear-naked choke that ended the fight.
DC had done it, he hadn’t failed like he had in his other big moments, he was at the top of his sport for the first time in his life.
Daniel Cormier’s first words as champion.
*Drops Mic*