Analyzing UFC 210: Cormier Vs. Johnson 2 – Fight Predictions

Henrik Larsen

5 min read

Post on May 04, 2025

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Cormier's Strengths and Strategic Advantages

Daniel Cormier, a former Olympic wrestler, brought a significant advantage into the octagon. His grappling skills and strategic mind presented a formidable challenge for Johnson.

Superior Wrestling and Ground Game

Cormier's wrestling background is undeniably his greatest asset. His ability to take opponents down and control the fight on the ground is unparalleled in the light heavyweight division.

• Dominant Takedowns: Cormier consistently executes takedowns, controlling the pace and wearing down opponents. His takedown defense is also incredibly strong, making it difficult for opponents to reverse his position.
• Ground and Pound Mastery: Once on the ground, Cormier is a master of ground and pound, inflicting significant damage and controlling the fight. His top control is exceptional, limiting his opponent's ability to escape or counter.
• Submission Threat: While not solely a submission specialist, Cormier possesses a competent submission game, adding another layer to his ground dominance. He can utilize various submissions to force a tap or maintain control.
• Examples: His dominant victories against wrestlers like Gus Johnson and Ryan Bader showcase this wrestling prowess. He consistently dictates the pace of the fight using his takedowns and ground control.

Improved Striking and Defensive Skills

While wrestling is Cormier's foundation, his striking has significantly improved since his first fight with Johnson.

• Improved Footwork and Distance Management: Cormier displays better footwork and distance management, making him harder to hit cleanly. He's more adept at controlling the range of the fight.
• Counter-Punching Precision: Cormier's counter-punching has become more precise and effective. He is able to punish opponents who overextend themselves.
• Defensive Improvements: His head movement and defensive boxing have noticeably improved, reducing the impact of opponent's strikes.
• Comparative Striking: Although Johnson possesses devastating power, Cormier’s improved defense and calculated striking offer a more well-rounded approach.

Johnson's Power Punching and Aggressive Style

Anthony "Rumble" Johnson's fighting style is built around his explosive power and relentless aggression. His knockout power is legendary in the UFC.

Devastating Knockout Power

Johnson's single greatest asset is his incredible knockout power. He possesses the ability to end a fight with a single, perfectly timed punch.

• One-Punch Knockout Artist: His highlight reel is filled with brutal knockouts, demonstrating his capacity to end fights in an instant.
• Explosive Power: His punches generate incredible force, capable of stopping opponents regardless of their toughness.
• Threat to Cormier: This power poses a constant threat to Cormier, who must be wary of a single mistake.
• Knockout Statistics: Johnson's knockout rate is among the highest in UFC history, highlighting his devastating power. He’s knocked out opponents like Glover Teixeira and Vitor Belfort within seconds.

Aggressive Fighting Style and Potential Weaknesses

Johnson's aggressive style, while highly effective, presents inherent vulnerabilities.

• Forward Pressure Vulnerability: His forward pressure can leave him open to counter attacks, particularly from skilled wrestlers who can take advantage of his aggressive advances.
• Defensive Gaps: While powerful, Johnson's defense has shown vulnerabilities against superior strikers and grapplers. He can be susceptible to takedowns and ground control.
• Exploiting Weaknesses: Cormier's wrestling acumen and improved striking allows him to exploit these defensive gaps and counter Johnson's aggression effectively.
• Takedown Defense: While possessing respectable takedown defense, it's not as polished as his striking. Cormier's wrestling would test this defensive aspect.

Pre-Fight Analysis and Statistical Considerations

A deeper dive into the statistics reveals further insights into the potential matchup.

• Significant Strikes Landed: While Johnson boasts a higher average of significant strikes landed, Cormier's accuracy and improved defense mitigate this disparity.
• Takedown Defense: Johnson's takedown defense, while strong, is arguably not as robust as Cormier's takedown accuracy and control.
• Submission Attempts: While neither fighter is primarily a submission specialist, Cormier's wrestling dominance allows him to secure advantageous positions for potential submissions.
• Fight Records and Performance Trends: Analysis of their recent fight records and performance trends further reinforces the strengths and weaknesses outlined earlier.

Predicting the Outcome: UFC 210 Predictions

Considering all the analyzed factors, our UFC 210 prediction leans towards a Cormier victory.

• Cormier's Dominance: Cormier's superior wrestling and improved striking give him a significant advantage. His ability to control the fight on the ground and negate Johnson's power striking is key.
• Johnson's Threat: While Johnson’s knockout power remains a significant threat, Cormier's improved defense reduces the likelihood of a quick knockout.
• Potential Scenarios: A potential scenario involves Cormier using takedowns to control the fight, wearing down Johnson and securing a decision victory.
• Prediction Justification: Based on a comprehensive evaluation of strengths, weaknesses, and statistical analysis, our prediction points to a Cormier victory via decision.

Conclusion

This analysis of UFC 210: Cormier vs. Johnson 2 has explored the key factors influencing our UFC 210 predictions. Considering Cormier's wrestling dominance and improved striking, alongside Johnson's explosive power, we've presented a comprehensive prediction based on statistical analysis and strategic considerations. While Johnson's knockout power remains a significant threat, Cormier's superior wrestling and improved defensive skills likely provide him with the edge to secure a victory. For more in-depth MMA analysis and UFC 210 predictions, keep following our blog. Don't miss our next article featuring more exciting UFC predictions!