Cormier dominated Anderson and won at UFC 200. Photo: Disclosure
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UFC light heavyweight champion, Daniel Cormier admitted to having felt fear moments before his fight against Anderson Silva, which was part of the main card of UFC 200, on July 9th. Despite exuding confidence in the days before the duel, the North American confessed to having “shaked at the base” when he faced the Brazilian inside the cage.
Originally, Cormier was going to face Jon Jones at the event in Las Vegas (USA), but the former rival was cut from the show after failing an anti-doping test. Anderson then agreed to replace him, even though he was admittedly out of shape.
In an interview with presenter Jim Rome, Cormier reported that he had no problems with changing opponents, but admitted that he was surprised to share the octagon with the Brazilian. “On Friday [the day before the fight], I told myself I was going to crush him. 'I don't care if it's the Anderson Silva, I'm going to crush this guy'. And when I saw him on the other side of the octagon, crouching in Spider position... At that moment, I said 'wow, that's Anderson Silva'”, said the American.
After three rounds of action, Cormier took victory in a comfortable decision from the judges. The North American was criticized for his strategy, but he has no regrets. “I was fighting the way I needed to. What should I do, keep standing with each other? Anderson Silva? It would be catastrophic if I lost. But I got there, I fought with Anderson Silva, and, you know what? I won a big victory, which is very important for my career from now on”, he celebrated.
With the result, Cormier reached 18 victories in professional MMA, compared to just one defeat. “Spider” suffered his eighth defeat, which represented his fourth setback in his last five fights.
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