UFC 210: Cormier Vs. Johnson II - Fight Breakdown And Predictions

Laila Abdi

4 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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UFC 210: Cormier vs. Johnson II was a highly anticipated rematch in the light heavyweight division. This clash of titans promised fireworks, and delivered a memorable night of action. This article will delve into a detailed breakdown of the fight, analyzing both fighters' styles, key moments, and ultimately offering our predictions for the outcome. We'll explore the strengths and weaknesses of each fighter, examine crucial moments in the fight, and ultimately provide a well-reasoned prediction.

Daniel Cormier's Strengths and Weaknesses

Cormier's Wrestling Prowess

Daniel Cormier's wrestling pedigree is undeniable. His superior takedown defense and offensive wrestling were instrumental in his victory. He possesses:

• Exceptional takedown defense: Cormier consistently thwarted Johnson's takedown attempts, preventing the fight from going to the ground where Johnson was less comfortable.
• Excellent control and ground-and-pound: Once on the ground, Cormier controlled the fight with his superior grappling and punishing ground-and-pound. His ability to maintain top control and land significant strikes from advantageous positions significantly wore down Johnson.
• Pace control: Cormier expertly dictated the pace of the fight, tiring Johnson out with his relentless wrestling pressure and preventing Johnson from unleashing his explosive power.
• Examples: His previous fights against Alexander Gustafsson and Jon Jones showcase his dominant wrestling ability and control of the octagon. He utilized takedowns and top control to secure decisive victories.

Cormier's Striking Game

While primarily known for his wrestling, Cormier's striking has significantly improved over his career. He demonstrates:

• Improved accuracy and power: While not a knockout artist, Cormier lands consistent, accurate strikes, accumulating damage over time.
• Effective combinations and clinch work: He effectively uses combinations in the clinch, exploiting his strength and wrestling skills to control his opponent.
• Vulnerability to power punches: Despite his improvements, Cormier remains susceptible to powerful counter punches from opponents with explosive power.
• First Fight Analysis: In their first encounter, Cormier’s improved striking displayed a marked improvement from his earlier career, allowing him to maintain his distance and land significant strikes in bursts.

Anthony Johnson's Strengths and Weaknesses

Johnson's Devastating Power

Anthony "Rumble" Johnson's most significant weapon is his devastating knockout power.

• One-punch knockout potential: Johnson possesses the ability to end a fight with a single, perfectly timed strike. This threat hung over Cormier throughout the fight.
• Knockout Victories: His past victories highlight his incredible power, with several opponents falling victim to his devastating blows in a single strike.
• Cormier's defense: The threat of a knockout was real; however, Cormier’s takedown defense neutralized this threat.

Johnson's Ground Game

Johnson's ground game presents a stark contrast to his striking power.

• Vulnerability on the ground: Against superior wrestlers like Cormier, Johnson’s limited grappling defense becomes a major weakness.
• Grappling deficiencies: His lack of experience and proficiency in grappling made him significantly vulnerable on the mat.
• Comparison to Cormier: The contrast between Cormier's wrestling dominance and Johnson's vulnerability on the ground was crucial in determining the fight's outcome.

Fight Breakdown: Key Moments and Turning Points

The fight was a strategic chess match. Key moments included:

• Early rounds: Johnson attempted to utilize his power early, landing some significant strikes. However, Cormier's takedown defense and his ability to control the clinch effectively thwarted Johnson's attempts at a quick knockout.
• Mid-fight adjustments: Cormier began to successfully use takedowns to control the pace and tire Johnson out, wearing down his power.
• Turning point: The consistent takedowns and ground control by Cormier were the turning point of the fight, preventing Johnson from unleashing his power punches.
• Final rounds: Johnson's stamina visibly decreased, rendering his knockout power less effective as Cormier continued to dictate the pace of the fight.

Predictions and Analysis

Based on the fight breakdown, our prediction for the fight was a victory for Daniel Cormier, and that prediction was realized. Cormier's superior wrestling, improved striking, and superior cardio proved to be decisive factors. The alternative outcome of a Johnson knockout victory always remained a possibility, but Cormier successfully negated that threat. Comparing pre-fight predictions to the actual result highlights the importance of analyzing a fighter's strengths, weaknesses, and fighting style.

Conclusion

UFC 210: Cormier vs. Johnson II delivered an exciting clash of styles, showcasing the strengths and weaknesses of both fighters. Cormier’s wrestling dominance and improved striking proved crucial in securing the victory. This rematch highlighted the importance of strategic fighting and adaptation within the octagon. Want to delve deeper into other thrilling UFC matchups? Explore more UFC fight breakdowns and predictions on our site! Discover more insights into the world of mixed martial arts and stay updated on the latest UFC events. Search for "UFC fight analysis" or "UFC predictions" to find more insightful articles.