Daniel Cormier Edges Alexander Gustafsson In Thrilling Title Fight
The main event of UFC 192 saw Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier (17-1) defend his title against Alexander Gustafsson (16-4). “DC” certainly wasn’t at a loss for words going into the fight, even saying people think “The Mauler” is a myth created by the UFC.
Cormier walked the walk and it was far from an easy task.
Gustafsson looked to establish his jab early and utilize his reach advantage. Cormier went for a takedown and he easily lifted “The Mauler” and dumped him to the mat. Gustafsson attempted to escape but the champion quickly put an end to that. The challenger went for a triangle, but Cormier ended up in side control. Gustafsson scrambled and returned to the feet. Gustafsson missed an uppercut and couldn’t take advantage of a slip from “DC” as the horn sounded.
Round two was underway and Gustafsson landed a right hand to the body. Blood formed under the right eye of “DC.” The challenger briefly took down Cormier and they engaged in a clinch. “DC” landed some uppercuts and pressed his opponent against the fence. Cormier continued to land clean uppercuts in the clinch. Cormier landed a right hand over the top and it was answered by an uppercut from Gustafsson. “The Mauler” took down “DC” with a few seconds left in the round.
The third stanza began and Gustafsson popped Cormier with a right hand. A hard uppercut landed for the challenger. “DC” connected with a right hand that caused “The Mauler” to bleed from his nose. Cormier continued to find a home for his uppercuts in the clinch. “DC” hurt Gustafsson with a punch to the nose and found more uppercuts in the clinch. Gustafsson dropped Cormier with a knee to the jaw and some punches. “”DC” recovered and the two met at the center of the Octagon as the horn sounded.
Gustafsson opened up early in round four with a leg kick and a stiff jab. Gustafsson attempted a takedown and pressed “DC” against the fence momentarily. Cormier popped Gustafsson as he was trying to create distance. A right hand landed for “The Mauler.” Cormier was chasing down Gustafsson, but not finding much success and didn’t look for a takedown. Cormier landed a combo to end the round.
The two fighters embraced at the start of the final frame. A nice right hand found the target for Gustafsson. Cormier answered with a solid right hand and a leg kick. Gustafsson went for a takedown, but didn’t complete it. A knee connected for “The Mauler.” Gustafsson landed a jab and the two exchanged uppercuts in the clinch. “DC” missed an uppercut. “DC” appeared to be the busier fighter in the final round. Gustafsson landed a knee as the fight came to a close.
When the score totals were read, two judges had it 48-47, but not for the same fighter. Surprisingly, the final score read was 49-46. At the end of the night, it was “DC” who reigned supreme.
Final Result: Daniel Cormier def. Alexander Gustafsson via split decision (48-47, 47-48, 49-46)
