UFC 210: Cormier Vs. Johnson II - Expert Predictions And Preview

Hugo van Dijk

4 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Cormier's Strengths and Strategy

Daniel Cormier, the reigning champion, entered UFC 210 with a reputation built on exceptional wrestling and a formidable ground game. His strategy against the powerhouse striker, Anthony Johnson, was always going to revolve around neutralizing Johnson's explosive striking ability. Cormier’s wrestling prowess was, and remains, his greatest asset.

• Superior wrestling takedowns and control: Cormier's ability to take Johnson down and control the fight on the ground was key to his success in their previous encounters.
• Effective ground-and-pound: Once on the ground, Cormier's relentless ground-and-pound proved extremely difficult for Johnson to withstand.
• Improved striking defense since the first fight: While not known for his flashy striking, Cormier demonstrably improved his defensive skills heading into the rematch, making it harder for Johnson to land the decisive blow.
• Experience and championship pedigree: Cormier’s extensive experience and proven championship pedigree gave him a significant psychological advantage. His calm demeanor under pressure was a counterpoint to Johnson's aggressive style.

Johnson's Power and Potential for an Upset

Anthony "Rumble" Johnson, on the other hand, was the ultimate knockout artist. His devastating power punches and explosive athleticism made him a constant threat, regardless of the opponent. The potential for an upset was always present, given his knockout power and improved grappling defense.

• One-punch knockout capability: Johnson possessed the ability to end a fight with a single, perfectly timed strike. This kept Cormier constantly on the defensive.
• Improved takedown defense: While grappling was not his forte, Johnson showed significant improvement in his takedown defense leading up to UFC 210.
• Potential for a strategic counter-attack: Johnson's strategy often involved waiting for an opening to unleash his devastating power.
• Aggressive fighting style: His aggressive fighting style, while risky, also kept Cormier from settling into a comfortable rhythm.

Expert Predictions and Betting Odds

Before UFC 210, many MMA analysts favored Cormier due to his wrestling dominance and championship experience. However, Johnson's explosive power always made him a dangerous opponent. Betting odds largely reflected this sentiment, with Cormier being the slight favorite.

• Consensus prediction: While Cormier was the favorite, a significant portion of analysts and fans acknowledged Johnson's considerable upset potential.
• Key factors influencing expert opinions: The key factors influencing predictions focused on Cormier's wrestling versus Johnson's knockout power. The improvements each fighter had made since their last encounter were also heavily debated.
• Range of predicted outcomes: Predictions covered a range of possible outcomes, including a Cormier decision victory, a Johnson knockout, or even a submission.
• Disclaimer on the unpredictability of MMA: It’s crucial to remember that MMA fights are inherently unpredictable. Even the most skilled fighters can be defeated by a single, well-placed strike.

UFC 210 Card Preview – Beyond the Main Event

UFC 210 wasn't just about Cormier vs. Johnson. The undercard boasted several compelling matchups with significant storylines. While the main event dominated the pre-fight discussion, other notable fights contributed to the overall excitement of the evening.

• Mention of notable undercard fights and fighters: [Insert details of notable undercard fights and fighters here. This section requires specific details about the UFC 210 undercard to be truly effective.]
• Brief description of potential storylines in the undercard fights: [Insert brief descriptions of storylines within the undercard fights here. This could include rivalries, rankings implications, or personal narratives driving the matches.]

Conclusion: Don't Miss UFC 210: Cormier vs. Johnson II

UFC 210: Cormier vs. Johnson II delivered on its promise of an exciting, unpredictable rematch. The contrasting styles of the two fighters created a captivating spectacle. Cormier's wrestling and ground game proved effective against Johnson's explosive power, ultimately leading to a decisive victory for the champion. However, Johnson's threat remained ever-present, reminding everyone of the inherent volatility in the world of mixed martial arts. This event highlighted the skill, strategy, and raw power that makes MMA such a captivating sport. Don't miss the next epic rematch! Watch future UFC events and share your predictions using #UFC #MMA #MixedMartialArts.