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Despite the shadow that looms large over Daniel Cormier’s title reign, he remained focused and provided us with an instant classic on Saturday night. The five round war left Cormier, as well as the Swedish challenger Alexander Gustafson, bruised and battered with absolutely nothing left to give after the final horn. Cormier was cut under his right eye very early in the fight, struggling to even see by the third round. Gustafson, who was blasted by uppercut after uppercut in the clinch, had both eyes swollen shut, a broken nose, and a deep cut along the side of his mouth.
This, along with his matchup against Anthony Johnson, has provided a chance for Cormier to exhibit his toughness. Johnson, one of the heaviest hitters in the UFC, landed several haymakers, which Cormier survived on his way to a third round submission to claim the vacant Light Heavyweight Title back at UFC 187. That was an extremely tough test early, but Cormier’s conditioning, along with Johnson’s lack thereof, allowed DC to turn it into a wrestling clinic.
On Saturday, however, it was not the expert wrestling that led Cormier to the win. Surprisingly, it was the champion’s success in the stand-up that gave him the victory. Even more impressive was the height disadvantage he overcame. Giving up six inches, as well as seven in the reach department, he remained more than effective, walking the challenger down and forcing him to run away round after round. Aside from the opening stanza, in which Cormier executed an early takedown and kept Gustafson there for over three minutes, the remaining four stayed up. It was inevitably the champion’s ability to work inside and batter the Swede with uppercuts that won him the split decision.
Of course, the post fight conversation centered around the man that gave Cormier the only loss of his career back in January, Jon Jones. That UFC 182 showdown was one of the most anticipated we have seen in the history of the UFC. A press conference brawl and several verbal attacks only added fuel to the fire that was the disdain these two felt for each other. Sure, part of a UFC fighter’s job is to sell fights, but there was nothing manufactured about the bad blood that existed in the lead-up to that title tilt.
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The fight we ended up getting was a somewhat lopsided affair. After keeping it close in the first two rounds, Cormier let his emotions take hold and deviated from his game plan. Despite some good signs early, the momentum completely swung in the third round, and Jones never looked back.
But now, nine months later, the two are in completely opposite positions. Cormier has taken the gold, while Jones is embroiled in legal trouble, the same legal trouble that caused him to be stripped of his title back in April. Now, as he appears to be nearing the end of his turmoil, all signs point to a rematch. If the pair’s first meeting is any indication, we are in for another display of dominance. Cormier, however, has made key improvements after learning from that January meeting.
Size-wise, Jones and Gustafson are very similar fighters, and that is why Saturday was a sign as to how Cormier can defeat Jones in a rematch. While Cormier was exhausted and undisciplined in January, he has improved his conditioning, both physically and mentally. The blueprint against Gustafson is the same one he will need when he meets Jones. Constant pressure, forcing his way inside, and limiting the clean boxing that takes place at a distance is what DC needs to focus on accomplishing. After outlasting Gustafson and Johnson, Cormier also now knows that he possesses a strong chin, and he can absorb several hard shots as he works into the clinch.
However, as much as we want this fight to happen, there is no guarantee that it will take place soon, if ever. As of Sunday, it looks as if there is plea deal that will take place in Jones’ felony hit and run charges. In the UFC 192 post-fight press conference, a UFC spokesman stated that the company would review the terms of the deal and proceed from there.
Upon the return of Jon Jones, there is only one fight to be made. The two best Light Heavyweights in the world have unfinished business. Jones will look to recapture the gold that he never really lost, while Cormier wants intensely to avenge his January loss and solidify his spot atop the division.
