Daniel Cormier Ranked Number Six At Light-Heavyweight After UFC 170
Daniel Cormier made a successful debut at light-heavyweight at UFC 170; albeit over unranked Pat Cummins, who stepped in for the injured Rashad Evans. A win against ‘Suga’ would have likely earned Cormier a shot at the winner of Jon Jones vs. Glover Teixeira at UFC 172, but the win over ‘Durkin’ has earned DC the number six spot at 205 pounds.
The rankings have been updated, and the former Strikeforce GP winner sits just behind Rogerio Nogueira and Phil Davis. The next obvious question is who doesd Cormier fight now? Phil Davis is tied up with Anthony Johnson, Nogueira is often injured, Evans is currently injured, Alexander Gustafsson is facing Jimi Manuwa on March 8, and then there’s Jones vs. GT.
All of the top five are unlikely to be booked against Cormier in the immediate future, apart from the winner of Gustafsson vs. Manuwa. ‘The Mauler’ should probably get another shot at the title with a win over ‘Poster Boy’ in London, but a loss may see the Swede booked in against DC.
Perhaps a match against #7 Shogun Rua is on the cards? The Pride FC fan favorite got back in the win column with as first round knockout over James Te Huna at UFN: Brisbane, although a rematch with Dan Henderson or ‘Lil Nog’ are more likely to sell big on PPV.
Cormier has entered the division at it’s weakest state in recent times. ‘Bones’ still holds the division hostage, and guys like Chael Sonnen, Dan Henderson, Shogun Rua and Ryan Bader have all experienced rough patches lately, but still occupy the top 10. Take a look at the top 15 at 205 and tell me what you think is next for Daniel Cormier:
Light Heavyweight
Champion: Jon Jones
1. Alexander Gustafsson
2. Glover Teixeira
3. Rashad Evans
4. Phil Davis
5. Antonio Rogerio Nogueira
6. Daniel Cormier *NR
7. Mauricio Rua -1
8. Dan Henderson -1
9. Chael Sonnen -1
10. Ryan Bader -1
11. Jimi Manuwa -1
12. Vitor Belfort
13. Gegard Mousasi -2
14. James Te Huna -1
15. Rafael Cavalcante -1
