The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) will witness a number of stars in action on Saturday, but it is one bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, which people have been talking about a lot - Anthony Johnson vs Daniel Cormier. This fight has all the ingredients to make it one of best fights of the year.
Both the stars will battle it out for the prestigious light heavyweight title. Anthony Johnson has been mighty impressive so far in his career winning his last nine bouts and a career record, which only reads four losses in 23 bouts.
The fighter lost his last bout in January 2012 and no one has been able to defeat Anthony in the last three years. But, Cormier will be eager to change that record of Johnson and walk away with the title as well.
Cormier, a former Olympic wrestler, has also had an impressive career with 15 wins out of his 16 bouts. The only loss he has suffered has been against Jon Jones earlier in the year. Jones defeated Cormier via decision, but many experts still consider Jones to be best UFC fighter, irrespective of the result on Saturday.
But Anthony does not believe so and feels the winner of Saturday clash will determine the absolute champion.
"We are at the top of the food chain right now and it is what it is," ESPN quoted Johnson as saying.
"So, it does get kind of aggravating when people want to say, 'Oh yes, you're the paper champ.' In my eyes and in my heart, whoever wins this title isn't the paper champion. We are the absolute champion of the weight class."
The fight between Johnson and Cormier was only drawn after UFC stripped light heavyweight champion title from Jon Jones due to disciplinary reasons. Jones was originally supposed to fight Johnson. Cormier also agreed for the fight on a short notice.
Jones is currently under indefinite suspension, but the fighter is expected to come back into the sport and again challenge for the title.
"I do believe he'll come back, but me, personally, do I care if he comes back? I would love to fight him again, but it's truly his decision. I'm not going to beg him to come back. He comes back if he wants to."
There is nothing much to choose between the two, though one has to concede that Johnson is more powerful than Cormier, who might show his technical skills on Saturday. He may not be a ferocious puncher, but can bring down an opponent if he strikes it clean.
Being a former wrestler, he does have a sound technique and also an excellent defence. Despite such skills, Cormier has to be aware of Johnson's low kicks, and his moves on the counter, which is very impressive.
Both the fighters possess exquisite skills and the fighter, who has a good day, might walk away with the title.
Where to Watch Live
The pay-per-view fight between Anthony Johnson and Daniel Cormier is scheduled to kick-start at 10pm ET (7:30am IST, 2:30am GMT) with live coverage in India on Sony Six
For viewers in the US, the full coverage of UFC 187 can be watched live on Fox Sports, but Anthony Johnson and Daniel Cormier is only available on pay-per view. Viewers in UK can catch it on BT Sport 2.
Check the official website for the fight.
