Image via Complex Original
On Saturday, Daniel Cormier will defend his light heavyweight championship belt for the first time against Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 192. After defeating Anthony Johnson less than five months ago to claim the vacant title, Cormier is now the one with the target on his back in a division he transitioned to a little over a year ago after spending a majority of his career competing as a heavyweight. His rise to the top has been meteoric, but his toughest test awaits him. Can he stave off all those fighters who want to take that No. 1 spot?
With Gustafsson possessing a sizable six-inch height advantage, Cormier will need to enforce the ground game to even the playing field. In the end, this match is bound to have its fair share of takedown attempts. Throughout his respective career, DC has taken opponents down to the mat with power, speed, aggression, and skill. Let's take a look at Daniel Cormier's Best Takedowns, in GIFs, of course.
Daniel Cormier vs. Dan Henderson
Event: UFC 173
Date: 5/24/2014
Saying Daniel Cormier gave Dan Henderson a wake-up call is an understatement. At the time of the fight, Henderson was 43 years old and winless in three of his last four fights, and DC added to Hendo's woes with a dominant performance that Sherdog.com named 2014’s Beatdown of the Year. No matter what type of offense Hendo tried to mount, it just didn't work. Even when it appeared Henderson had an advantage, Cormier would counter and become the more physical fighter. Case in point, look at how DC just tosses Henderson like a rag doll. There's more where this came from. *Hint hint*
Daniel Cormier vs. Roy Nelson
Event: UFC 166
Date: 10/19/2013
With a beast of a fighter like Roy Nelson, Daniel Cormier was wise to pick and choose his moves. It appeared as though the game plan was for Cormier to open with a few punches and lead into a takedown. While a handful of attempts were unsuccessful because Big Country stood his ground, DC was able to connect on a straight right hand that knocked Nelson back, and the 36-year-old fighter knew what to do from there. Cormier pounced, driving him into the ground for one of his three takedowns of the night.
Daniel Cormier vs. Josh Barnett
Event: Strikeforce: Barnett vs. Cormier
Date: 5/19/2012
Like we mentioned with Tyron Woodley, Daniel Cormier has exceptional agility for his size, but he's also got incredible strength. If you need an example of his power, look no further than the fight against Josh Barnett. We've said it before and we'll say it again. It should not look this easy. In 2007, Cormier was awarded the bronze medal in freestyle wrestling at the United World Wrestling Championships. Just another example that proves DC knows exactly what he is doing. DC ended up slamming Barnett, who was pushing 250 pounds at the time. Never, ever, ever try this at home.
Daniel Cormier vs. Dan Henderson
Event: UFC 173
Date: 5/24/2014
Oh look, another takedown on Dan Henderson! But, this time around, Daniel Cormier showed his technical side, taking Hendo to the mat with a Polish step-around throw. It's a work of art. After Cormier established a pinch grip tie on Henderson, he stepped in with his left foot, putting it behind Hendo's right foot and making the throw incredibly easy. Cormier executed this throw perfectly, so any of you amateur fighters out there take note.
Daniel Cormier vs. Dion Staring
Event: Strikeforce: Marquardt vs. Saffiedine
Date: 1/12/2013
For Daniel Cormier, it's not all about strength. Like we saw in his match with Dan Henderson and this fight against Dion Staring, Cormier knows how to reach into his bag of wrestling tools when the situation calls for it. After catching Staring leaning and hunched over, DC utilized his single overhook clinch and took The Soldier down with a magnificent lateral drop. Go ahead and watch it again, and again, and again. We'll be doing the same.