Cormier (photo) praised the skills of Evans, his next opponent. Photo: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
Daniel Cormier considers that the opponent he will face in his light heavyweight debut, Rashad evans, will represent a greater challenge than it would have faced when facing the category champion, Jon Jones.
A prominent name in the heavyweight category, “DC”, as he is known, decided to lose weight, as his friend and training partner, Cain Velazquez, reigns supreme up to 120 kg. His first fight in the 93 kg division will be on February 22, at UFC 170.
Even though Jones has already faced Evans and won, Cormier said at a press conference that he believes the characteristics of his next opponent are more difficult for his style. ”Rashad has a different kind of skills than Jones. I think he's harder to take down than a guy with bigger legs would be. Rashad doesn't kick much – kicking actually increases the chances of getting your leg caught. Jon kicks more, so it's easier to get takedowns. Rashad is more dynamic and has more knockout power than Jones”, he assessed, in an excerpt reproduced by the Yahoo Sports website.
Cormier revealed that the weight loss is only bringing him benefits in training. “I feel better, with more physical resistance. I feel like I can push harder for longer than I used to. It didn't take long for me to get fully in shape because I'm lighter. Normally, it would take longer,” he commented.
For training for the fight with Evans, Cormier is not counting on the participation of Velasquez, who is away from activities due to an injury. Even so, he does not believe that this will compromise his preparation. “It's been difficult not having him at the gym, but every now and then he watches my training and gives me advice. Anyway, I had already planned to change my training because of my opponent. Cain does not have the same body type as Rashad evans. I'm training with a guy called Davin Clark, who weighs 83 kg, but is about the same size as Rashad,” he detailed.
Daniel Cormier e Rashad evans will be the co-main event of UFC 170. In the most important fight of the night, Ronda Rousey will defend her belt in the women's bantamweight category against the also undefeated Sara McMann. The event will be in Las Vegas, United States.
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