Daniel Cormier stepped into the octagon as the underdog and walked out with the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship slung over his shoulder. Anthony “Rumble” Johnson did everything he could to catch Cormier off guard early on with the grappling, but the Olympian had an answer for nearly everything Johnson threw his way.
By the time the second round rolled around, it became evident that “Rumble” should have abandoned his grappling gameplan and engage in the middle of the octagon. It was too little, too late though as Cormier was able to gain the upperhand on the ground and submit Johnson with a rear-naked choke just like he did in their last meeting. Check out some reactions from the UFC fighters below:
Main Event time. #UFC2010 pic.twitter.com/TAzdWnEmD7
— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) April 9, 2017
What a long, strange week it's been. #ufc210
— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) April 9, 2017
Two of the breast heavy weights of all time right meow! @ufc @dc_mma @Anthony_Rumble
— Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) April 9, 2017
Eye spy little eye something that starts with "J" #Creeper #UFC210 #MainEvent pic.twitter.com/cBc7jggmJY
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) April 9, 2017
Here comes the BOOM! ? #ufc210
— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) April 9, 2017
Rumble clinching and working for a TD seems like a bad idea, considering his gas tank. #ufc210
— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) April 9, 2017
Why is he wrestling!!??? #UFC210
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) April 9, 2017
Where's the fight IQ ? It hurts my brain ??? #ufc210
— Bec Rawlings (@RowdyBec) April 9, 2017
I got 10-9 Johnson after 1st. #ufc210
— Anthony Perosh (@AnthonyPerosh) April 9, 2017
How did you score RD 1? #UFC210 #Cormiervsjohnson2
— Ian McCall (@Unclecreepymma) April 9, 2017
Wow. Worst game plan, ever, Rumble. #ufc210
— The Spartan (@EliasTheodorou) April 9, 2017
.@mousasi_mma Yes!!!!! @dc_mma ?
— Hector Lombard (@HectorLombard) April 9, 2017
DC by RNC. #UFC210
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) April 9, 2017
What quitter…… come back @JonnyBones
— Jamie Varner (@jamievarner) April 9, 2017
Wow, I was so sure DC was gonna get caught adjusting his waistband. Super impressive finish! #UFC210
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) April 9, 2017
True Champion @dc_mma ??
— Alexander Gustafsson (@AlexTheMauler) April 9, 2017
I hate to say it but he should have watched #InsideTheOctagon ?#UFC210
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) April 9, 2017
— Alpha Cat Zingano (@CatZingano) April 9, 2017