UFC187: Champions Play It Slow and Safe

Chris Weidmann and Daniel Cormier are boring. The UFC 187s  main events produced a much lower quality of fights than fans of the Middle and Light Heavyweight divisions are used to.  The losses of Anderson Silva and Jon Jones as kings of their domains have hurt UFCs entertainment value.  The damage has never been more evident than in the two main events of UFC 187 where both Chris Weidmann and Daniel Cormier though victorious left the fans feeling a bit short changed in terms of excitement.  Granted, the disappointment wasn't on the level of "Fight of the Century" of which 32 lawsuits are still pending but I was left longing for the days of the spectacular knockouts of Anderson Silva and the sharp elbows and knees of Bones Jones.  Chris Weidmann is a large man for his weight class he has almost the same physical characteristics as Anderson Silva. The difference is while Silva wielded his size like a scalpel Weidmann uses his like Thor's hammer.  The UFC middleweight champion withstood an early barrage by Vitor Belfort, sustaining a cut above his eye.  The champion, however, managed to gather himself, take Belfort down, and mount him while he pummeled him into a referee stoppage. It was simple, brutal, and effective but it wasn't very entertaining.  It is clear that the Brazilian veteran without his TRT supplements is succumbing to the ravages of time much like the previous middleweight champion. It may not seem fair, to compare Weidmann to a ring legend like Silva, but Weidemann touts those controversial wins over Silva as proof of his ability.  While there is no doubting that his style is clearly effective, it doesn't feel like you're watching the world's best middleweight. Maybe I've been spoiled by years of seeing Anderson Silva's brilliance in the octagon but the contrast between the two styles leaves me feeling hollow and wishing for a more skilled fighter to take his belt.  He implored the crowd, post fight, to "stop doubting" him.  Maybe they wouldn't if Chris had a win over an elite fighter under the age of 38.

Weidman (l) Belfort (r) Photo: MMAjunkie.com

Ironically, the light heavyweight championship match was no different. Rumble Johnson showcased a flurry of heavy kicks and punches that almost knocked Cormier senseless in the early rounds.  As the fight went on, however, Cormier's stamina proved to be the difference.  The eventual champion was able to display the Olympic level wrestling skills Jon Jones didn't allow him to.   He controlled the fight from the early 2nd Round and finally put Rumble out of his misery in the 3rd, by rear naked choke.  While this was more entertaining than the middleweight fight (DC was knocked down more than once by Johnson's strikes), it suffered from the same lack of showmanship routinely showcased by the previous champion. Cormier is the Mayweather of the UFC in regards to his style being boring but highly effective.  As if to drive home the point, Cormier even called out Jon Jones, just minutes after winning his championship.

  

"Jon Jones, get your shit together" Photo (AP/John Locher)

These new champions may have intended to cement their legitimacy with the fans, but in my opinion they did exactly the opposite.   All they did was remind the fans of who was missing.  Most people don't like change, especially when that change is inferior to the previous product. Both Cormier and Widemann  have a long way to go to gain credibility with the UFCs casual fans.  Tonight, they came off sounding more like insecure men begging the crowd to believe in their greatness.  That, may prove to be a tall order.  Most fans believe Silva and Jones have no one to blame but themselves for losing their belts.  Including me.