Daniel Cormier is the new Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Light Heavyweight champion, submitting Anthony Johnson in round three last night (Sat., May 23, 2015) in the main event of UFC 187, which took place inside MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada,
It wasn't that easy, though.
Johnson literally floored Cormier seconds into the 205-pound showdown, sending "DC" to the canvas with a head kick for the first time ever in his UFC career. Oddly, Cormier didn't appear to be in too much danger, which is bizarre because Johnson packs perhaps the most power in the division.
In fact, Cormier immediately went into wrestling mode, securing a takedown to avoid getting into a stand up war with heavy puncher. And that was more or less Cormier's recipe for success, taking down Johnson early in the second round and grinding Johnson into exhaustion.
By the time round three rolled around -- and Cormier secured another takedown -- Johnson was pretty much spent. He allowed Cormier to take his back and then sink in a very basic rear-naked choke. Moments later, Johnson was tapping, paving the way for Cormier to hoist the belt and call out former champion Jon Jones.
Clinical.
For complete results from UFC 187: "Johnson vs. Cormier," including play-by-play updates, click here. And for a complete Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony Johnson full fight recap click here.
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