UFC 210: Cormier Vs. Johnson 2 - A Complete Fight Preview And Predictions

Hugo van Dijk

5 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Daniel Cormier's Strengths and Weaknesses

Daniel Cormier, a former Olympic wrestler, brought a unique blend of grappling and striking to the octagon. Let's dissect his arsenal:

Cormier's Wrestling Prowess

• Exceptional takedown defense and offensive wrestling: Cormier's wrestling pedigree is undeniable. His takedown defense is consistently high, allowing him to control the pace and dictate where the fight takes place. His offensive wrestling is equally impressive, enabling him to take opponents down at will.
• Ability to control the fight on the ground and dictate pace: Once on the ground, Cormier is a master of control. He expertly uses top control to tire his opponents and land significant ground and pound.
• Tireless work ethic and stamina: Cormier is known for his incredible cardio, allowing him to maintain a high pace throughout the fight, something crucial in a five-round championship bout.
• Examples from previous fights showcasing his wrestling dominance: His fights against Jon Jones (despite the controversial results) and Alexander Gustafsson highlight his impressive wrestling dominance, consistently controlling the fight and securing takedowns.

Cormier's Striking Game

• Improved striking technique and power: While primarily a wrestler, Cormier's striking has improved significantly throughout his career. He effectively uses jabs and combinations to set up takedowns or inflict damage.
• Effective use of jabs and combinations: His jab is a potent weapon, maintaining distance and setting up more powerful strikes.
• Vulnerability to powerful strikers: Despite improvements, Cormier remains vulnerable to powerful strikers who can land clean shots. This vulnerability was evident in some of his past fights.
• Analysis of Cormier's striking evolution: Cormier's striking has evolved from a supplementary tool to a more integrated aspect of his game, enhancing his overall effectiveness.

Cormier's Potential Weaknesses

• Susceptibility to powerful punches: As mentioned, Cormier's chin, while durable, is not impenetrable. A single, clean shot from a powerful striker could turn the tide of the fight.
• Age and potential wear and tear: At the time of UFC 210, Cormier was nearing the later stages of his prime, raising concerns about potential wear and tear on his body.
• Dependence on wrestling in critical moments: While a strong striker, Cormier might over-rely on his wrestling in crucial moments, potentially opening himself up to counter-strikes.

Anthony Johnson's Strengths and Weaknesses

Anthony "Rumble" Johnson was renowned for his explosive power and aggressive fighting style. Let's examine his strengths and weaknesses:

Johnson's Devastating Power

• One-punch knockout ability: Johnson possessed the ability to end a fight with a single, well-placed punch. His power was arguably unmatched in the light heavyweight division.
• Intimidating presence and knockout power: His sheer power instilled fear in opponents, influencing their fighting strategy.
• Examples of past knockouts and powerful finishes: Many of Johnson's victories ended in spectacular knockouts, showcasing his devastating power.

Johnson's Striking Technique

• Aggressive and explosive striking style: Johnson's style was aggressive and relentless. He constantly pressured opponents, throwing powerful combinations.
• Precise and devastating combinations: He didn't just rely on power; he delivered precise and effective combinations that consistently found their mark.
• Potential for improved defensive strategies: While his offense was exceptional, Johnson's defense could be improved, leaving him vulnerable to takedowns and counters.

Johnson's Potential Weaknesses

• Cardiovascular endurance: Johnson's cardio was a known weakness. His explosive style often left him gassed in later rounds.
• Wrestling defense vulnerability: Johnson's wrestling defense was a significant weakness, leaving him susceptible to takedowns from skilled wrestlers like Cormier.
• Dependence on the early knockout: Johnson's reliance on securing an early knockout left him vulnerable if the fight went the distance.

Fight Prediction and Analysis

Predicting the outcome of a UFC fight is always challenging, but considering the fighters' strengths and weaknesses, we can outline likely scenarios:

Likely Fight Scenarios

• Scenario 1: Cormier dominates with wrestling and ground control. Cormier's superior wrestling could allow him to control the fight on the ground, tiring Johnson and accumulating points.
• Scenario 2: Johnson secures an early knockout. A single, well-placed punch from Johnson could end the fight quickly.
• Scenario 3: A close and competitive fight, going the distance. If Johnson can avoid early takedowns and manage his cardio, the fight could be much closer, potentially going to a decision.

Statistical Comparison

A statistical comparison of significant strikes landed, takedowns, and submission attempts would provide a clearer picture, highlighting the areas where each fighter excelled. Unfortunately, detailed, comparable statistics for UFC 210 are not readily accessible in a consistently formatted manner for comparative analysis here.

Final Prediction

Based on the analysis of their strengths and weaknesses, and considering Johnson's cardio concerns and Cormier's superior wrestling, a Cormier victory via decision or late-round TKO seems the most likely outcome. While Johnson certainly possessed the power to win via knockout, Cormier's ability to avoid significant strikes and dictate the fight's pace would likely give him the edge.

Conclusion

UFC 210: Cormier vs. Johnson 2 was a highly anticipated rematch, showcasing the clash of styles between a dominant wrestler and a devastating striker. This preview analyzed both fighters’ strengths and weaknesses, offering a prediction based on their past performances. Whether you predicted a Cormier victory via superior wrestling or a Johnson knockout, this rematch undoubtedly delivered intense action. Continue your journey into the thrilling world of UFC analysis by exploring more articles on our site, delving deeper into fight strategies and techniques, and don't forget to check out our other UFC fight previews for even more exciting content! Keep the UFC 210 discussion alive by sharing your own predictions and analysis of this memorable fight!