UFC 187: Main Event Preview

For years now it seemed as though the UFC Light Heavyweight title would not be changing hands. But for the first time since March of 2011, the winner of the main event title fight at UFC 187 will be someone other than Jon Jones. Jones, who is arguably one of the best pound for pound fighters was stripped of his title 3 weeks before the UFC event for his actions outside of the octagon. The UFC moved quickly however to salvage the title fight. MMA fans will now see Daniel Cormier get a second shot at the title as he faces the number one light heavyweight contender Anthony Johnson.

Anthony "Rumble" Johnson was more than half way into his training camp when he was told that he would no longer be facing Jon Jones for the Light Heavyweight title, but would instead be meeting Daniel Cormier for the now vacant Light Heavyweight Title. Rumble Johnson still enters this fight as the underdog be it by the slightest of odds. But Johnson has shocked MMA audiences as the underdog before. His quick knock out of Gustafsson in enemy territory sealed his spot as the next to challenge Jones for the title. But the change in opponent will pose a challenge to Johnson as he will now have to enter the octagon against an Olympic medalist in wrestling.  Johnson however, has a wrestling background of his own and has great takedown defense which will play a factor when facing a man that has used his wrestling to defeat much heavier opponents.

Daniel Cormier will enter the MGM Grand brimming with confidence. With a fighting style that mimics the current UFC Heavyweight champion, Cormier will no doubt use his wrestling background to clinch with Johnson and try to wear him down. Cormier has to consider the fact that his opponent has yet to enter championship rounds. But Johnson's gas tank should not be underestimated. His fight against Phil Davis showed us he is capable of maintaining a strong pace. Of the two fighters, Daniel Cormier has been in the championship rounds against his toughest opponent, Jon Jones. It is worthy of mention however, that Cormier did slow down in final rounds of that bout and is taking this fight on short notice.

The UFC has decided to make this the main event of UFC 187 and with good reason. The amount of intrigued surrounding this fight not to mention the crowning of a new champion regardless of the outcome makes this a can't miss.

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