In the co-main event of the evening, Daniel Cormier put on an outstanding performance against former PRIDE and Strikeforce champion Dan Henderson when he thoroughly dominated his veteran opponent before choking him unconscious in the third round. It was exactly the type of performance that Cormier needed to cement himself at the top of the light-heavyweight division.
Cormier immediately took control of the bout from the start as he took Henderson down and maintained side control for the majority of the fight. He occasionally alternated to other favourable positions, and even had Dan turtled up at multiple separate moments during the contest. While he would occasionally land a few shots while on Hendo’s back, he mainly focused on dominating him from side control.
While the action was considerably slower-paced than the previous bout between Robbie Lawler and Jake Ellenberger, it was an impressive performance from Cormier. He even managed to draw blood from Henderson, which is not a common sight.
Official Result: Daniel Cormier def. Dan Henderson via submission (Rear-naked choke, Round 3, 3: 53)
What was the high point of the fight?
The majority of the third round, as it featured a particularly aggressive onslaught from Cormier which included a vicious slam and a rear-naked choke that separated Henderson from his consciousness.
Where do these two go from here?
Cormier (15-0) is now 4-0 since joining the UFC ranks, and has already requested that he sit on the sidelines to await a title shot against the winner of the Jon Jones/Alexander Gustafsson contest.
Henderson (30-12) has now lost four of his last five fights in the UFC octagon, two of which ended in stoppages. His latest performance is arguably his worst one yet, and this does not bode well for his future with the organization.
Watch now, later, or never?
Later. While it was a commendable performance from Cormier, this was far from the most entertaining fight on the card.
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