BUFFALO, N.Y. — At long last, Daniel Cormier finally gets to defend his UFC light heavyweight title belt.
Because of a variety of reasons, Cormier hasn’t defended his title belt since October 2015, when he defeated Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 192. But after some controversy at Friday’s weigh-ins almost jeopardized the title fight, the defending champion will be able to face off against Anthony Johnson in a UFC 187 rematch.
On the co-main event, Gegard Mousasi and Chris Weidman battle in what’s sure to be a devastating clash among titans that can have major implications on the hierarchy of the weight class.
And last but not least, the UFC’s overnight sensation, Pearl Gonzalez, makes her debut in the promotion after her breast implants made headlines and almost knocked her out of the card. She will fight up-and-comer Cynthia Calvillo, who’s fighting for the second time in five weeks, in a scintillating women’s strawweight showdown.
The main card will kick off at 10 p.m. ET, but fans can enjoy plenty of preliminary fights in the meantime.
We will have real-time results for every UFC 210 fight, as well as round-by-round analysis for the main card right here on our live blog. You also can watch all the action here.
Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony Johnson Round-By-Round Commentary
Pre-Fight
Anthony Johnson enters the octagon with “Moment” by Young Money blasting from the sound system. Daniel Cormier is showered with boos as he enters to “Mama Said Knock You Out” by LL Cool J and “Right Above It” by Lil Wayne.
First Round
Johnson and Cormier each have their moments, delivering significant strikes. Overall, it was a pretty close round to call.
Second Round
Johnson lands a big takedown midway through the round. But a few seconds later, the two get up and Cormier lands his own monstrous takedown. Cormier is on top of Johnson delivering vicious strikes to the back of his head. He now has him in a chokehold and the official stops the fight.
Result
And still! Daniel Cormier defends the UFC light heavyweight title with a submission victory in the second round. The two fighters give each other a hug and show a lot of respect to one another following the fight.
Rumble addresses the crowd and announces his retirement.
Cormier then grabs the mic and starts shouting at Jon Jones, who is ringside, and challenges him to a rematch.
Chris Weidman vs. Gegard Mousasi Round-By-Round Commentary
Pre-Fight
Gegard Mousasi walks into the octagon with a patriotic Armenian tune called “Artsakh” blaring from the speakers here at KeyBank Arena. Chris Weidman enters holding an American flag draped around his shoulders and Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down.”
First Round
Mousasi’s prediction that Weidman wouldn’t record a takedown is immediately put to rest as the American records two takedowns. Mousasi was able to get up both times, however. At the end of the round, Weidman gets yet another takedown to take the round.
Second Round
Mousasi bounces back strong in the second round, delivering a series of violent combinations on Weidman.
Mousasi delivers a knee strike to Weidman’s head, which the official wrongly stopped believing they were illegal knees.
After minutes of “mass confusion,” the officials stop the fight. Because the knees weren’t illegal, the stoppage technically means the official ruled a TKO for Mousasi.
Result:
“Mass confusion” is a perfect way to describe this. The official declares Mousasi the winner via TKO in an extremely controversial decision.
Mousasi told his corner not to celebrate and Weidman was livid during Mousasi’s interview with Joe Rogan. Something tells me there’s likely going to be a rematch after this horrible ending to what could’ve been an amazing fight.
Cynthia Calvillo vs. Pearl Gonzalez Round-By-Round Commentary
Pre-Fight
After a tumultuous day on Friday, Pearl Gonzalez enters the UFC octagon for the first time to The Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy.” Her opponent, Cynthia Calvillo, enters with tons of swag with a classic arena jam, “Jump Around” by House of Pain.
First Round
The two combatants spent much of the first round trading blows on their feet, before Calvillo got Gonzalez in a headlock with under a minute left. Calvillo then took down Gonzalez and attempted to choke her with her legs. Fortunately for Gonzalez, the bell rang just in time signaling the end of the round.
Second Round
Gonzalez lands a huge takedown in the middle of the round, but Calvillo easily wiggles herself out from the bottom and goes for several submission attempts. Gonzalez manages to get free a few times, but it’s clear Calvillo won the round and Gonzalez will likely need to finish the fight in the third round if she wants to win in her debut.
Third Round
Calvillo lands another takedown and tries to choke out Gonzalez with her left arm. Gonzalez does her best to get free, but she finally taps out after spending much of the fight trying to get out of Calvillo’s submission attempts.
Result:
Calvillo improves to 5-0 in her career — a career that began eight months ago. With two wins in five weeks, she’s one of the fastest-rising stars in the women’s strawweight division. She ends the night quoting Nate Diaz saying, “I’m not surprised, (expletives).”
Main Card
Daniel Cormier vs. Anthony Johnson
Gegard Mousasi vs. Chris Weidman
Cynthia Calvillo vs. Pearl Gonzalez
Thiago Alves def. Patrick Cote, via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Charles Oliveira def. Will Brooks, via submission (Round 1, 2:30)
FS1 Prelims
Myles Jury def. Mike De La Torre, via TKO (Round 1, 3:30)
Kamaru Usman def. Sean Strickland, via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-26, 30-26)
Shane Burgos def. Charles Rosa, via TKO (Round 3, 1:59)
Patrick Cummins def. Jan Blachowicz, via majority decision (29-28, 29-28, 28-28)
UFC Fight Pass Prelims
Gregor Gillespie def. Andrew Holbrook, via TKO (Round 1, 0:21)
Desmond Green def. Josh Emmett, via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 30-27)
Katlyn Chookagian def. Irene Aldana, via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Magomed Bibulatov def. Jenel Lausa, via unanimous decision (29-26, 29-26, 29-26)
Thumbnail photo via Joe Camporeale/USA TODAY Sports Images
