Man, that as hard to watch…
After a highly controversial lead-up to the main event, UFC 210’s light-heavyweight title fight hit New York. With the infamous towelgate behind him, Danie Cormier looked to make the second defense of his 205-pound championship belt.
Standing across the octagon was a familiar face in touted knockout artist Anthony Johnson. ‘Rumble’ has the power and finishing instinct to knockout any man, but it was not his night.
Cormier Wins
After a first round that saw Johnson surprisingly going for the clinch, Cormier went for the kill in round two. Battering Johnson on the mat, the champion gave a repeat performance, in fact identical to their UFC 187 clash.
Sinking in the rear naked choke, Cormier handed Johnson his fifth career submission loss. Here’s the replay of that moment:
Following this tough defeat, ‘Rumble’ came out of nowhere with an impromptu retirement speech. Although he’d just lost his second title fight, few expected the KO king to retire after his second loss in only five years.
UFC 210 Full Fight Card results
Main Card
Light heavyweight: Daniel Cormier def. Anthony Johnson via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:37 of Round 2
Middleweight: Gegard Mousasi def. Chris Weidman via TKO (knee) at 3:13 of Round 2
Women’s strawweight: Cynthia Calvillo def. Pearl Gonzalez via submission (rear-naked choke) at 3:45 of Round 3
Welterweight: Thiago Alves def. Patrick Cote via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Lightweight: Charles Oliveira def. Will Brooks via submission (rear-naked choke) at 2:30 of Round 1
Preliminary Card
Featherweight: Mike De La Torre def. Myles Jury via TKO (elbows and punches) at 3:30 of Round 1
Welterweight: Kamaru Usman def. Sean Strickland via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Featherweight: Shane Burgos def. Charles Rosa via TKO (punches) at 1:59 of Round 3
Light heavyweight: Patrick Cummins def. Jan Blachowicz via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
Lightweight: Gergor Gillespie def. Andrew Holbrook via KO (punches) at 0:21 of Round 1
Lightweight: Desmond Green def. Josh Emmett via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
Women’s bantamweight: Katlyn Chookagian def Irene Aldana via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
Flyweight: Magomed Bibulatov def. Jenel Lausa via unanimous decision (29-26, 29-26, 2926)
