Every once in a while we all have things we need to get off our chests. It’s good for the soul. Every Monday morning our MMA World Senior Editor Stephen Rivers takes the opportunity to cleanse his with a takeaway from the weekend’s MMA news and events.
DANIEL CORMIER IS LEGIT LIGHT-HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMP
On Saturday night Daniel Cormier overcame in-cage adversity to become the UFC Light-Heavyweight Champion. Cormier was hit with a thunderous overhand right early in the first round that sent him tumbling to the mat. It was the sort of punch that had seen Anthony Johnson’s previous opponents falling apart in front of our eyes.
Cormier weathered the storm, before breaking Johnson’s will in the second round. By the time Cormier forced Johnson to tap in the third it all seemed inevitable. On that night there was no way Cormier would allow himself to be beaten, he was not walking out of that cage without the Light-Heavyweight title belt around his waist.
Any notion that he is not the legitimate champion should be dismissed, and quickly too. Cormier proved on Saturday night that he is the best active, available, 205 pound fighter under contract with the UFC at this point in time. That is without question, and is all any UFC title has ever signified.
GIVING FLYWEIGHT TITLE SHOT TO SOMEONE ELSE THE REAL NO-BRAINER
The UFC 187 main card had sensational potential, which converted into the most exciting event of the year so far. What had helped set this event apart before Saturday night was the strength of the prelims, which promised excitement from top to bottom as well as world title implications before the main card began.
We got none of that from the prelims on Saturday. Most disappointing was an action-less contest between Zach Makovsky and John Dodson which was supposed to set the winner up for a shot at Demetrious Johnson’s flyweight title. It was never exciting, and for long periods barely interesting, as Dodson did just enough to get the nod on the scorecards.
Dodson called a rematch with Johnson for the UFC Flyweight Championship a “no brainer” after getting the win on Saturday. His performance suggested otherwise, doing little to convince anyone that he could pose a serious threat in a rematch against a champion who has continued to improve since beating Dodson in 2013. His lacklustre display has only opened the door for Jussier Formiga to excite against Wilson Reis this coming weekend and jump the queue.
ONE CHAMPIONSHIP AN UNMISSABLE HOTBED OF EMERGING TALENT
Reflecting on a weekend that had such a big UFC event in the middle of it, Friday seems a long time ago. Long before the fighters weighed in for UFC 187, ONE Championship’s Warrior’s Quest was taking place in Singapore.
At the top of the bill were two title fights, Shinya Aoki defending the ONE lightweight title against Koji Ando and the crowning of the inaugural ONE strawweight champion in a bout between Roy Doliguez and Dejdamrong Sor Amnuaysirichoke. What really stood out though were the performances of some of the region’s most exciting prospects.
Angela Lee made her professional debut, submitting Aya Saber in less than two minutes which prompted people to start talking about a potential match with Ann Osman somewhere down the line.
Lowen Tynanes showcased his undoubted skills again with a comfortable decision win over Kuat Khamitov that suggested he could provide Shinya Aoki with a test in the future.
Then came Marat Gafurov’s first round submission of a game Ev Ting. Gafurov is an immense talent, and he is expected to face featherweight champion Jadamba Narantungalag following the win.
UFC 187 wasn’t the only show this weekend with two title fights and future contender implications and ONE Championship’s roster is making their shows unmissable.
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