The modern state of mixed martial arts can be somewhat frustrating for the combat purist. The narrative of the arrogant trash talker getting undeserved opportunities is so prevalent at this point, that it is a subject best left alone by most MMA fans, in fear of it leading to a heated argument that may culminate in throwing fisticuffs with your buddy. There’s no need to delve into the contributions or merits of the Chael Sonnens and Conor McGregors of the world at this point, but the UFC might have just stumbled on an unexpected treasure chest Saturday night.
Daniel Cormier, won the light heavyweight title Saturday night after grinding out and submitting Anthony Johnson in the third round of UFC 187’s main event. Cormier showed an unprecedented level of heart and determination after being launched halfway across the Octagon by Johnson’s powerful overhand right. Cormier lost the round but did what he did to do to survive, grabbing a hold on to Johnson for the remainder of the round and imposing his weight on him. The strategy paid dividends by the third frame, although Johnson was still dangerous, he was very fatigued and had clearly lost a step in his confidence. Cormier dominated the third round and got the tap with a rear naked choke. After the win, Anthony Johnson put the belt around Cormier’s waist and DC was clearly elated. When Joe Rogan came up to congratulate and interview Cormier, he only yelled a few words to the former champ Jon Jones about how he would be waiting for him upon his return.
The elephant in the room throughout all of fight week was Jon Jones and how the title could be considered illegitimized in his absence. However, a bigger story blossomed when Cormier exited the cage. Daniel Cormier arrived at the post fight press conference with a new belt and a $50,000 Performance of the Night check to his name. Mere minutes after answering several media questions Cormier mentioned the name of one Ryan Bader and the ruckus ensued.
Ryan Bader was at the press conference, and the second Cormier mentioned his name he was up in arms. Though Bader’s words were not all that audible, Cormier’s were, and he minced no words at all. Saying things like “you’re an easy paycheck,” and “this is my press conference, get the fuck outta here!” These two men were scheduled to fight two weeks from now in New Orleans, when word broke out that Jones had been pulled from his title defense, Cormier called Dana White and company to let them know he was willing and available for the title shot. Bader was not happy about having his upcoming bout scrapped due to Cormier getting a second title shot he felt was undeserved and has had it out for DC ever since. Bader became an unexpected title challenger in a now, very interesting, marketable fight after his confrontation with Cormier.
The light heavyweight division is in a strange place right now. With Jon Jones out, the proverbial bar has been set a notch or two lower. Ryan Bader has always been a quality fighter and a perennial top contender over the last 18 months, he’s had some rough stylistic matchups and always seemed to come up short when the bright lights shined on him, but now with a four fight win streak under his belt, it seems Bader is on the precipice of a title shot.
The original matchup between Cormier and Bader was seen as a squash match for Cormier, now with him as the new champion in need of challengers, Bader now seems like the next likely and appropriate challenger for the belt. Daniel Cormier showed a strange side of himself Saturday night. From his impromptu motivational speech and challenge to Jon Jones, to him asking media to refer to him as “Champ Cormier,” it seems like his persona is really flourishing and it’s ripe for controversy with the MMA world. It wouldn’t be all too surprising if Cormier becomes a new Chris Weidman of sorts with his divisive characteristics.
In all honesty, the fued between Cormier and Bader is a bit asinine. There’s no real need for them to butt heads this strongly, but it’s entertaining. Say what you want about the the warranted nature of the rivalry, the one thing you cannot deny is the authenticity. These two men really don’t like each other, and we’ve all seen how Cormier performs against a bitter rival. DC may be too much for Bader, but it is an incredibly sellable fight that can garner some decent pay-per-view buys, even after it was scheduled as a relative Daniel Cormier showcase on Fox Sports 1. Anyone in this business knows that controversy sells, even small, insignificant rivalries brings eyeballs. If Bethe Correia managed to get a title shot at a marvel like Ronda Rousey by beating a few pioneer female mixed martial artists past their prime and a fringe top 15 contender, there’s no shame in inserting Ryan Bader in a high profile title bout either.
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