UFC 210: Daniel Cormier beats Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson
By James Dielhenn
Last Updated: 09/04/17 10:59am
Daniel Cormier repeated his submission victory over Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson in their rematch at UFC 210 on Saturday night, before the beaten challenger announced his shock retirement.
Light-heavyweight champion Cormier (19-1) sent Johnson (22-6) into retirement with a rear-naked choke in the second round of their title fight in Buffalo, New York, an identical finish to their first fight last year.
Johnson was brought to tears as he confirmed it would be his "last fight" - although Cormier has no shortage of challengers with former titlist Jon Jones and Britain's Jimi Manuwa sat ringside.
Johnson had won the first round on all three judges' score-cards after opting to grapple with Cormier, although those tactics ultimately resulted in his demise shortly afterwards.
Cormier, with a visibly broken nose after withstanding a powerful kick in the opener, took Johnson to the canvas and sunk in the fight-ending submission.
The Netherlands' Gegard Mousasi (42-6-2) secured a controversial TKO victory over former middleweight champion Chris Weidman after confusion about the rules.
Mousasi landed two damaging knees but the referee initially thought Weidman's hands were touching the floor, which would deem the strikes illegal. Replays proved otherwise, although Weidman was afforded time to recover.
Doctors ended the fight after checking Weidman's condition - it would be his third consecutive stoppage loss after 13 unbeaten.
