UFC 210 Predictions: Why Anthony Johnson Will Beat Daniel Cormier

Canada’s loss is New York’s gain.

That’s because this rematch was supposed to headline UFC 206 last year in Canada. Unfortunately, the injury bug struck and it was moved to a later date which later became UFC 210 on April 8th, 2017 at the Key Bank center in Buffalo New York.

Take Two

This will be the second fight between current UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier and challenger Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson. These two fought for the vacant title in 2015 during the period where Jon Jones was stripped by the UFC of his belt because of personal issues. During that fight, Daniel Cormier effectively used his wrestling base to dominate Anthony Johnson and later submit him to win the world title.

This time around, Cormier promises that he will go to to toe with Rumble, although not many believe he will actually do that against one of the hardest hitting strikers the UFC has ever seen. Johnson is coming off a one-punch annihilation of perennial contender Glover Teixeira. Cormier meanwhile has not fought since beating Anderson Silva in a special match at UFC 200. Both will be making their first ever appearance in New York.

Odds

Cormier is currently pegged at +100 while Rumble is at -130. During their first bout, both fighters were able to show their signature skills: DC with his wrestling and Rumble with his power. Unfortunately for Johnson ( or luckily for DC ), he gassed and was caught in a rear naked choke in Round 3. But that fight was almost two years ago. Cormier is now 38 and although he’s put up back to back wins over Alexander Gustafsson and Anderson Silva, time and injuries may have caught up with the champ. Cormier pulled out from two bouts last year, the latest of which was supposed to be against Rumble at UFC 206.

On the other hand, Anthony Johnson has been on a tear since losing to Cormier. Rumble has recorded three straight knockout wins over Jimi Manuwa, Ryan Bader and Glover Teixeira. None of those bouts went past round two so doubters will still think about his cardio and stamina in a five round bout. But at 33, Johnson may be at his peak. This is his second attempt at the Light Heavyweight title and it comes against the only man to beat him in this division. Rumble looks like he’s locked in focus on winning that title. We’re picking Anthony Johnson to beat Daniel Cormier and win the UFC Light Heavyweight title.