Following the disappointing cancellation of their fight at UFC 206, the sought after rematch between Daniel Cormier and Anthony Johnson has a new date. They will fight for the Light-Heavyweight championship at UFC 210 in Buffalo, New York.
April 8, it’s happening. The rematch of the century. Okay, maybe not of ‘the century’, but this is one mighty fine rematch. Originally scheduled for UFC 206 in December, the fight was cancelled after Daniel Cormier suffered another injury setback.
Javier Mendez tells me @dc_mma is aiming to return early April against @Anthony_Rumble, nothing confirmed. Possibly UFC 210 #UFC #MMA
— Niall McGrath (@niallmcgrath4) January 25, 2017
If there is a God, that won’t happen this time. Cormier gave a message to those disappointed fans in Toronto. “Ninety-nine miles is as close as I could get to make it up to you. That was very important to me.”
The two first met in 2015 at UFC 187 for the vacant Light Heavyweight Title. In that thrilling fight, knockout magician “Rumble| Johnson sent Cormier to the canvas early. However, that wasn’t a sign of things to come – Cormier recovered superbly and implemented a grinding gameplan. Johnson’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he lost via rear-naked choke in the 3rd round.
Since that poor performance, Johnson has redeemed himself with three quick knockout victories over top-level opponents. Still, redemption won’t truly be achieved unless he can right that wrong.
Conversely, Cormier has had two decision victories since then. One of those was a famous battle with Alexander Gustafsson, the other was a non-title fight against Anderson Silva last July at UFC 200. But the biggest topic of discussion was his two cancelled fights with nemesis Jon Jones.
Jones is set to return from his suspension in the summer. As it stands, UFC 210 could determine whether or not we get a finale to the Jones vs. Cormier rivalry. Given their deep history, a conclusion is needed.
The MMA world will weep if that doesn’t happen.
Yet, if Johnson gets his revenge in April, that opens the door for a new and exciting rivalry. Jones and Johnson are yet to cross paths, and few would begrudge that contest.
Whatever happens, Cormier vs. Johnson at UFC 210 has all the potential for a classic rematch. Will the challenger right his wrongs? Or will the former Olympian assert his pound-for-pound status again?
On April 8 we will find out. Well, unless the AKA curse strikes again.
