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The UFC 166 pay-per-view co-headliner saw Daniel Cormier take on Roy Nelson in a battle of top 10 heavyweights. The bout lasted the full 15 minutes with Cormier earning a comfortable decision as he outclassed Nelson. The Olympic wrestler managed to land a few takedowns early, and was also able to showcase his striking for the most part.
Cormier was able to dodge Nelson's attempts at landing his trademark overhand right, and managed to maximize a clear speed advantage to land several good combinations of his own throughout the contest. This was Cormier's last bout as a heavyweight, and this slimmed down version of himself remained unbeaten and look good on his final fight before dropping down to 205. The result: Daniel Cormier def. Roy Nelson by Decision (Unanimous, 30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
What was the high point?
There wasn't exactly one moment that stood out, but to me the most interesting portion was the first round, where Cormier was able to display his Olympic-caliber wrestling by constantly putting down a much bigger guy in Nelson.
What was the low point?
It was an easy and comfortable decision win, but it wasn't a complete beatdown, so there were a few moments in the 2nd and 3rd where a visually frustrated Nelson wasn't throwing or landing anything, and Cormier was content to slowly pick apart a much slower fighter.
Where do they go from here?
This is Daniel Cormier's last fight at heavyweight. He stepped in the cage a little over 220 lbs, and will be making the drop to light heavyweight on his next bout. With his high level wrestling, he's easily one of the most intriguing challengers available to Jon Jones, but there's a good chance he gets to face a top light heavyweight contender first before immediately getting a title shot.
As for Nelson, he's lost his last two bouts, and with Dana White not really being a fan of the guy, there's a chance he will be let go. I think he still deserves another shot though, and with the division not exactly being the deepest one available, he can still serve as a good gatekeeper to the top 10. Maybe a bout against a resurging Gabriel Gonzaga would be interesting.
Watch it now, later, or never?
Later. It's always interesting to see a top contender like Cormier fight, but while his overall game has looked to improved a lot recently, this bout wasn't really a barn burner, so it would be best to watch this fight after seeing the other more entertaining bouts on the card.
More from Bloody Elbow:
- UFC 166 results: Fights to make for the main carders
- Dana White claims the UFC roster is too full. Is a purge coming?
- UFC 166 results: Dana White not pleased with last night's officiating
- UFC 166: Velasquez vs Dos Santos Sunday Perspective: Cain Veslasquez achieves UFC Heavyweight Greatness
- UFC 166: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos results: Winners and Losers
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