By Shawn Smith

Two years after they met for the first time, champion Daniel Cormier and challenger Anthony Johnson met again in the main event of UFC 210.

For Johnson, the bout likely felt like a cruel version of déjà vu.

Late in the second round, Cormier was able to take back control and sink in a rear-naked choke that was all too reminiscent of their first bout from May of 2015.
Johnson wasted no time throwing his powerful strikes early in the first round, closing distance in the process. Johnson surprised many when he looked for a takedown less than a minute into the fight, but Cormier was able to take control and wear on the challenger throughout the middle portion of the first round. Johnson attacked with head kicks, heavy punches and oblique kicks before again closing distance and tying up to end the round.

Between rounds, it was clear that Cormier’s nose was broken, putting pressure on the champion to end the fight before too long.

Johnson went southpaw to start the second round, but it did little to throw Cormier off. The two jockeyed for position along the cage, with Johnson getting a quick takedown before Cormier returned to his feet and eventually gained back control. From there, Cormier took control. The defending champion was able to land punishing blows before again locking in a choke and finishing Johnson, just as he had in the first fight.

Cormier immediately walked across the cage and stared down top contender Jimi Manuwa. Of course, a showdown with Jon Jones could also be on the horizon as the long-time champion is scheduled to return to the cage this summer. Cormier and Jones originally fought in January of 2015, where Jones was able to win a unanimous decision.  

After the fight, Cormier took to the mic to call Manuwa out and tell Jones that he’ll be waiting for him when he returns from suspension.
It may have been Johnson who stole the spotlight, announcing after the fight that he would be retiring from the sport.

Full Event Results for UFC 210


Daniel Cormier def. Anthony Johnson via Submission (rear-naked choke) Rd 2
Gegard Mousasi def. Chris Weidman via TKO (knees) Rd 2
Cynthia Calvillo def. Pearl Gonzalez via Submission (rear-naked choke) Rd 3
Thiago Alves def. Patrick Cote via Unanimous Decision 
Charles Oliveira def. Will Brooks via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) Rd 1
Myles Fury def. Mike De La Torre via TKO (strikes) Rd 1
Kamaru Usman def. Sean Strickland via Unanimous Decision
Shane Burgos def. Charles Rosa via TKO (punches) Rd 3
Patrick Cummins def. Jan Blachowicz via Unanimous Decision
Gregor Gillespie def. Andrew Holbrook via KO (punches) Rd 1
Desmond Green def. Josh Emmett via Split Decision
Katlyn Chookagian def. Irene Aldana via Split Decision
Magomed Bibulatov def. Jenel Lausa via Unanimous Decision