UFC
Daniel Cormier on Anthony Johnson: "At the core, he's the guy who was submitted by Josh Koscheck"
Apr 29, 2015 - 10:30:06 AM Daniel Cormier on Anthony Johnson: "At the core, he's the guy who was submitted by Josh Koscheck"

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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

Daniel Cormier doesn't think Anthony "Rumble" Johnson's going to be much of a road block to him taking the UFC Light Heavyweight Title at UFC 187.

Reacting to his opportunity during an appearance on Fox Sports 1's UFC Tonight on Tuesday, Cormier thinks Johnson's still the fighter who got beat soundly by a couple of fighters in the past.

"Johnson is a tremendous fighter. At the end of the day, Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson is who he is," Cormier said. "At the core, he's the guy who was submitted by Josh Koscheck and tapped out when Vitor Belfort got a choke in. I have to go out and find that."

Cormier also believes that these two are fighting for the "real" title despite Jones not being beaten for it.

"Jon was the champion, but he beat himself," Cormier said. "But opportunity presents itself and you have to step up. It's my job to get in there and fight and beat Anthony Johnson. Jon did this to himself. The belt is not his anymore. This is for the real championship."

Penick's Analysis: Cormier seems thrilled he doesn't have to "beat the man" to hold that title. He can say anything he wants about Jones doing this to himself - and there's nothing but truth to that - but it doesn't change the fact that he just lost to Jones in January. He's not the best in this division if he beats Johnson and has a belt around his waist. If Jones is back within a year, even 18 months, he's still the best 205 lb. fighter. It's why stripping him of the title is only a symbolic gesture. Cormier winning the belt at UFC 187 won't make him the best in the world, and Johnson may prove more difficult than he's giving credit for here.