UFC 187 had been booked so heavily that it remained an awe inspiring card despite the removal of some of its key components. Former light-heavyweight champion Jon Jones was removed from the card when he was stripped of his title and suspended indefinitely. Khabib Nurmagomedov saw a knee injury force him out of a contender’s bout with Donald Cerrone. We even saw a strawweight bout between Rose Namajunas and Nina Ansaroff called off on the day of the event when Ansaroff had not recovered sufficiently from the flu to compete.
What we witnessed from the MGM Grand Garden Arena was everything that was good about mixed martial arts. It felt like a pay-per-view caliber event. It felt special, and through every fight of the main card it was special. Two title fights and a genuine contender for round of the year.
Daniel Cormier def. Anthony Johnson via submission – rear-naked choke (Round 3, 2:39)
When Anthony Johnson connected with a huge overhand right early in the first round, sending Daniel Cormier tumbling to the mat, the warning signs were there. In truth, they had been there long before the light-heavyweight title fight had begun. Every time Johnson swung there was a sense of dread and terror, that whatever landed could end the highly anticipated fight.
Yet Cormier refused to crumble, utilising his wrestling to weather the storm in the first round, before controlling almost all of the second. By the time second round was over, Johnson was bloodied and gulping in air. The tone had been well and truly set. Either Johnson connected with one of his vicious strikes cleanly enough to put Cormier away, or he was going to be ground into submission.
In the third round it proved to be the latter. After another typically wild flurry of malicious strikes early on from Johnson, Cormier managed to grab a hold of him and drag him down to the ground. Exhausted, his back was taken and Cormier sunk in a choke that Johnson could not fight off. Daniel Cormier had achieved his goal to became the new UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion.
Chris Weidman def. Vitor Belfort via TKO – punches (Round 1, 2:53)
It was a fight almost two years in the making. At times it had seemed as if we would never get to see Chris Weidman defend his middleweight championship against Vitor Belfort, but finally it was here. Less than three minutes later it was over.
Vitor, as he so often has in big championship fights in the past, had his own furious moments early on. After catching Weidman early, Vitor unloaded rights and lefts with his opponent backed up against the fence. The champion did what champions do, weathering the storm, regrouping, and reclaiming control of the fight.
Weidman completed a takedown, landing in Vitor’s half guard. It soon became clear that there was only one outcome. As Vitor squirmed beneath him, giving up his back, then the full mount, Weidman rained down punches that soon had referee Herb Dean stopping the fight. Chris Weidman had reminded us why he is the best in the world at 185 pounds.
Donald Cerrone def. John Makdessi via TKO – head kick (Round 2, 4:44)
Coming in as a late replacement, taking a huge step up in competition, nobody really gave John Makdessi a chance against perennial lightweight contender Donald Cerrone. They were proved right. The Cowboy opted to stand with Makdessi, picking his opponent apart with versatile striking and relentless combinations.
Makdessi was game and brave, attempting to trade throughout, but he took a number of brutal shots to the jaw along the way. When a headkick landed towards the end of the second round, Makdessi instantly rocked backwards calling time himself. The fight was immediately called off as Cerrone extended his win streak to eight in the UFC’s most talented division.
Andrei Arlovski def. Travis Browne via TKO – punches (Round 1, 4:41)
If “round of the year” awards were handed out based on emotion and disbelief, Andrei Arlovski and Travis Browne would already have won the award for 2015. Going in as a heavy underdog, Arlovski picked up the most impressive win of his second run with the UFC.
Arlovski tagged Brown a number of times during an enthralling, edge of the seat, first round. Showing a great composure, refusing to smother his work and picking his shots, Arlovski appeared to be on the verge of winning the fight when he was dropped by a Travis Browne right hand. Refusing to be beaten, the Belorussian quickly fought his way back to his feet before pouring it on again, an uppercut and right hook eventually forcing referee Mark Smith to stop the bout.
Joseph Benavidez def. John Moraga via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
After John Dodson and Zach Makovsky had failed to excite in their perceived title eliminator on the prelims, Joseph Benavidez and John Moraga took to the octagon hoping to improve their chances of a shot at the belt. Fought at a much higher pace than the earlier flyweight bout, Benavidez and Moraga did not disappoint.
It was competitive, it was bloody, and it was violent. Moraga landed hard as Benavidez was happy to trade throughout. It was Benavidez’ takedowns and top control that made the difference though, spending time on top in all three rounds en route to a unanimous decision victory.
John Dodson def. Zach Makovsky via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Dong Hyun Kim def. Josh Burkman via submission – arm-triangle choke (Round 3, 2:13)
Rafael Natal def. Uriah Hall via split decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
Colby Covington def. Mike Pyle via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Islan Makhachev def. Leo Kuntz via submission – rear-naked choke (Round 2, 2:38)
Justin Scoggins def. Josh Sampo via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
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