After months of endless insults, confrontations, Twitter wars and even physical altercations, long reigning UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jon Jones and his challenger Daniel Cormier were able to officially get their hands on each other. The result in the end was one we all should have seen coming.
All the drama of their long running feud, all of the bad blood, created an incredible atmosphere for their headline fight, the UFC’s first of 2015. It was as expected; a fight that was for the most part closely fought with Jones finding success with his array of standing elbows, shoulder shots and side kicks, while Cormier opted to utilise pressure and dirty boxing. What was not expected however was the incredible wrestling demonstrated by the champion. Never taken down once in 15 previous bouts, Cormier was dumped on the mat 5 times by Jones who was himself able to avoid conceding any real time on the ground. It was a massive statement and was ultimately what won ‘Bones’ the fight...and cemented his status as one of the sport’s greatest ever fighters.
It has always been known that Jones (Now 21-1) possessed quality grappling skills but Cormier (Now 15-1), a former Olympic and collegiate wrestler, was supposed to have a massive advantage in this aspect. It didn’t work out that way at all. Jones did what he has done time after time; make his highly regarded opposition look normal, or worse...mortal. By the end of their 25 minute encounter, Jones had done more than enough to justify the 49-46 unanimous decision victory.
It’s a tough loss for Cormier who now finds himself in no mans land. Unable to challenge for his friend and teammate Cain Velasquez’ Heavyweight belt, and unlikely to be given an instant rematch for the 205 crown, Cormier may have to wait in line for another crack at UFC gold. Jones on the other hand has absolutely nothing to prove. He’s beaten them all, and now with 8 consecutive title defences, he has three choices: Take superfights, move to Heavyweight, or get ready for a potential sequel with a certain Swede.
Jury’s out
Cormier wasn’t the only fighter to lose his undefeated MMA record at UFC 182. Previously unbeaten Myles Jury was taught a painful lesson in the show’s co-main event by veteran fan favourite Donald Cerrone, dropping the fight via unanimous decision. Dominated on the ground and on the feet, Jury was subjected to a lopsided beatdown over the course of their 15 minute encounter. Still, the Alliance MMA standout has a bright future ahead of him and this first defeat should only result in making him a better fighter in the long run. Cerrone is in the best form of his career but with Rafael dos Anjos set to face Anthony Pettis at UFC 185 he will very likely have to fight one more time to secure a shot at the belt. With his likely opponent, fellow title contender Khabib Nurmagomedov out for the next few months, Cerrone might be tempted to take another risky pay day against a lower ranked opponent.
Tavares Transformed
With his back against the wall, Brad Tavares produced his best display inside the Octagon to date with a one-sided unanimous decision victory over former Strikeforce and Pancrase champion Nate Marquardt. Peppering the veteran with leg kicks that would have Jose Aldo nodding with approval, Tavares (Now 13-3) was able to stop his adversary from landing anything more significant than a first round front kick to the face, a kick that he was able to brush aside thanks to a seemingly improved chin. With two tough losses behind him, Tavares might be set to make a run for contention...but the cracking the top ten of the 185 pound division is a daunting prospect. For Marquardt however, the end of his 49 fight career may be nigh.
Horiguchi Halts Gaudinot
Former TUF and Ring of Combat alumi Louis Gaudinot was unable to delay the rise of possibly the next contender in the Flyweight division, Japanese striker Kyoji Horiguchi. Initially finding success with his aggressive pace and positioning, Gaudinot soon wiltered however under his opponent’s blinding striking combinations, and with no answer soon surrendered the fight via unanimous decision. Now with a recent record consisting of only 1 win in his last 5, Gaudinot could, and should soon receive his marching orders...but the 125 pound division is weak, and he may receive a stay of execution. Great things however are expected of Horiguchi, and a top 5 scrap is surely in the fighter’s immediate future.
Lombard Bombards Returning Burkman
Returning to the UFC after an absence of over six years, veteran Welterweight Josh Burkman was rudely welcomed back by feared division contender Hector Lombard. Surprisingly however Burkman, previously fighting under the WSOF banner, started strong and was able to land multiple shots against his much fancied opponent. Lombard was eventually able to overcome Burkman’s defenses and started landing punishing blows of his own. This trend continued for the remainder of their encounter as the number 5 ranked Cuban left little doubt in the judges minds, and eased his way to a unanimous decision victory. Lombard has long been a contender among the 170 pound elite...the only problem is finding someone that wants to face him.
Full UFC 182 Results - Main Card
Light Heavyweight Championship
Jon Jones © def Daniel Cormier via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
Lightweight
Donald Cerrone def Myles Jury via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Middleweight
Brad Tavares def Nate Marquardt via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Flyweight
Kyoji Horiguchi def Louis Gaudinot via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Welterweight
Hector Lombard def Josh Burkman via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Prelims
Lightweight
Paul Felder def Danny Castillo via Knockout (spinning back fist) in round 2
Bantamweight
Cody Garbrandt def Marcus Brimage via TKO (punches) in round 3
Heavyweight
Shawn Jordan def Jared Cannonier via KO (punch) in round 1
Lightweight
Evan Dunham def Rodrigo Damm via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Welterweight
Omari Akhmedov def Mats Nilsson via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Catchweight (138 lbs) - Originally scheduled to be Women’s Bantamweight
Marion Reneau def Alexis Dufresne via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-25)
Event Awards:
Fight of the Night: Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier
Knockout of the Night: Paul Felder
Submission of the Night: N/A
Former TUF and Ring of Combat alumi Louis Gaudinot was unable to delay the rise of possibly the next contender in the Flyweight division, Japanese striker Kyoji Horiguchi. Initially finding success with his aggressive pace and positioning, Gaudinot soon wiltered however under his opponent’s blinding striking combinations, and with no answer soon surrendered the fight via unanimous decision. Now with a recent record consisting of only 1 win in his last 5, Gaudinot could, and should soon receive his marching orders...but the 125 pound division is weak, and he may receive a stay of execution. Great things however are expected of Horiguchi, and a top 5 scrap is surely in the fighter’s immediate future.
Lombard Bombards Returning Burkman
Returning to the UFC after an absence of over six years, veteran Welterweight Josh Burkman was rudely welcomed back by feared division contender Hector Lombard. Surprisingly however Burkman, previously fighting under the WSOF banner, started strong and was able to land multiple shots against his much fancied opponent. Lombard was eventually able to overcome Burkman’s defenses and started landing punishing blows of his own. This trend continued for the remainder of their encounter as the number 5 ranked Cuban left little doubt in the judges minds, and eased his way to a unanimous decision victory. Lombard has long been a contender among the 170 pound elite...the only problem is finding someone that wants to face him.
Full UFC 182 Results - Main Card
Light Heavyweight Championship
Jon Jones © def Daniel Cormier via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 49-46)
Lightweight
Donald Cerrone def Myles Jury via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Middleweight
Brad Tavares def Nate Marquardt via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Flyweight
Kyoji Horiguchi def Louis Gaudinot via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 30-27, 30-27)
Welterweight
Hector Lombard def Josh Burkman via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Prelims
Lightweight
Paul Felder def Danny Castillo via Knockout (spinning back fist) in round 2
Bantamweight
Cody Garbrandt def Marcus Brimage via TKO (punches) in round 3
Heavyweight
Shawn Jordan def Jared Cannonier via KO (punch) in round 1
Lightweight
Evan Dunham def Rodrigo Damm via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Welterweight
Omari Akhmedov def Mats Nilsson via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Catchweight (138 lbs) - Originally scheduled to be Women’s Bantamweight
Marion Reneau def Alexis Dufresne via Unanimous Decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-25)
Event Awards:
Fight of the Night: Jon Jones vs. Daniel Cormier
Knockout of the Night: Paul Felder
Submission of the Night: N/A
