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

Chloe Fitzgerald

4 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Cormier's Strengths and Fighting Style

Daniel Cormier, a former Olympian wrestler, brings a formidable skillset to the Octagon. His dominance stems from a potent combination of wrestling, improved striking, and exceptional cardio.

Wrestling Prowess

Cormier's wrestling is arguably his most dominant weapon. His takedown ability is exceptional, allowing him to control the pace and dictate the fight's location.

• Dominant takedowns: Cormier consistently showcased his takedown prowess against opponents like Dan Henderson and Alexander Gustafsson, controlling the fight on the mat.
• Ground-and-pound mastery: His ground-and-pound is brutal and effective, wearing down opponents with relentless strikes from superior positions.
• Control and pressure: Cormier excels at controlling the fight on the ground, preventing his opponents from escaping and delivering consistent damage.

Striking Improvements

While wrestling forms the foundation of Cormier's game, his striking has demonstrably improved since his first fight with Johnson.

• Increased power: Cormier's punches have become noticeably more powerful, evidenced by his knockdowns and knockouts in recent fights.
• Improved precision: He displays greater accuracy in his striking combinations, landing cleaner shots with better timing.
• Tactical adjustments: Cormier strategically mixes his striking and wrestling, creating openings for takedowns and keeping his opponents off balance.

Cardio and Stamina

Cormier's exceptional cardio is a significant advantage, particularly in a five-round fight.

• High-pace fighting: He consistently maintains a high pace throughout his fights, rarely showing signs of fatigue.
• Late-round dominance: His stamina allows him to outlast opponents in the later rounds, capitalizing on their fatigue.
• Crucial factor against Johnson: Against Johnson's explosive power, Cormier's cardio could be the deciding factor, enabling him to withstand early pressure and capitalize later.

Johnson's Strengths and Fighting Style

Anthony "Rumble" Johnson is renowned for his devastating knockout power, capable of ending a fight with a single, perfectly timed strike.

Explosive Power

Johnson's one-punch knockout power is legendary within the UFC.

• Lightning-fast strikes: His punches possess incredible speed and power, capable of knocking out even the most durable opponents.
• Knockout highlights: His victories against Glover Teixeira and Vitor Belfort showcase the sheer destructive force of his strikes.
• Intimidation factor: The threat of his knockout power alone can significantly impact an opponent's strategy.

Improved Striking Accuracy and Technique

While his power is undeniable, Johnson has demonstrably improved his striking accuracy and technique since his first encounter with Cormier.

• More controlled aggression: He shows greater control and precision in his striking combinations, avoiding wild swings.
• Strategic striking: His striking now appears more strategic, setting up power shots with calculated feints and combinations.
• Adaptability: Evidence suggests he has adapted his striking approach based on opponents' styles, showcasing improved tactical awareness.

Weaknesses and Potential Exploits

Despite his strengths, Johnson has weaknesses that Cormier can exploit.

• Wrestling defense: Johnson's wrestling defense has been a recurring vulnerability, making him susceptible to takedowns.
• Cardio limitations: While his power is explosive, his stamina can wane in later rounds.
• Cormier's strategy: Cormier could use his wrestling to control the fight, neutralizing Johnson's power and exploiting his cardio limitations.

Fight Breakdown and Prediction

The UFC 210: Cormier vs. Johnson 2 rematch will hinge on several key matchups.

Key Matchups

• Striking exchanges: Will Johnson's power prevail early, or will Cormier's improved striking and defense negate it?
• Takedown battles: Cormier's wrestling will be crucial in dictating the fight's location and pace. Johnson's improved defense will be tested.
• Ground game: Should the fight go to the ground, Cormier's superior ground-and-pound will be a significant advantage.

Potential Fight Scenarios

• Early knockout: Johnson could secure a quick victory with one of his trademark power shots.
• Grappling dominance: Cormier could control the fight with takedowns, wearing down Johnson with ground-and-pound.
• Late-round victory: Cormier's superior cardio could allow him to dominate the later rounds, capitalizing on Johnson's potential fatigue.

Final Prediction

Based on Cormier's improved striking, superior wrestling, and exceptional cardio, our prediction is a victory for Daniel Cormier. His ability to neutralize Johnson's power with his wrestling and outlast him with his stamina gives him a significant advantage in a five-round fight.

Conclusion

UFC 210: Cormier vs. Johnson 2 promises to be a thrilling rematch. Cormier's wrestling and cardio are his greatest assets, while Johnson's explosive power remains his most potent weapon. The key matchups will determine the outcome, with Cormier's ability to control the fight's pace and location likely proving decisive. We predict a victory for Daniel Cormier. What are your predictions for UFC 210: Cormier vs. Johnson 2? Share your thoughts in the comments below! And be sure to revisit this article for a post-fight analysis after the event!