After recent news, it’s safe to say that the UFC 214 fight card is stacked. It will likely be one of the best events of the year, and make UFC 211 look like a Fight Night card. That is because UFC 214 is set to have three title fights! In addition to some really great prelim action! UFC 214 is set to take place in Anaheim, California on July 29th.
UFC 214 Fight Card
Daniel Cormier vs Jon Jones II
The main event will be a light-heavyweight title bout between rivals Cormier and Jones. Right now, this is easily the biggest fight to make in the UFC. They first fought in early 2015 (UFC 182) when champion Jones defeated Cormier by unanimous decision. The two engaged in a press-conference brawl and well-documented war of words. Since then, the hatred hasn’t picked up. Jones lost his title on a technicality stemming from some crimes committed outside of the Octagon. In his absence, Cormier took the title and defended it multple times. The two were supposed to meet at UFC 197, then at UFC 200, but will (hopefully) meet at the end of July.
It’s hard to say how this fight will be different from their first encounter. Even though it was back-and-forth, Jones out-classed Cormier in virtually all aspects. He won the clinch exchanges, he landed more takedowns, and he out-struck him as well. However, Jones has been MIA for quite a while, with his latest win being a lack luster decision over Ovince St. Preux. Cormier has looked pretty damn solid.
I personally think Cormier will have a better outting this time, and defeat Jones. Likely by decision. Which will only set up an even bigger trilogy between the two. Can’t wait for this one!
Tyron Woodley vs Demian Maia
This welterweight title fight was recently added to the UFC 214 fight card. 170 lb champ Woodley recently defended his title against Stephen Thompson at UFC 209. It was a rather lackluster bout that drew lots of boos from the audience and fans online. He’ll get a chance to redeem himself against the all-to-deserving challenger Demian Maia.
Every once in a while there’s a fighter who just can’t seem to earn himself a title shot. I remember Yushin Okami back in the day was like this, as was Jon Fitch. Recently, it’s Demian Maia. He’s on a 7-fight win streak, and is 9-2 at 170 lbs. His only losses being to Rory MacDonald and Jake Shields (who aren’t even with the UFC anymore). He recently hit a hot streak where he choked out Neil Magny, Matt Brown, and Carlos Condit – but had to take Jorge Masvidal and Gunnar Nelson to a decision.
This is a very interesting contast of styles between two rather slow-paced fighters. But don’t be fooled, both guys can end this fight in an instant for they make a mistake. Woodley has blistering power in his right hand while Maia has easily the most dangerous jiu-jitsu in the division; maybe in all of MMA.
Cyborg Justino vs Tonya Evinger
This fight was also recently added to the UFC 214 fight card. The women’s featherweight crown was initially created back at UFC 208. Germaine De Randamie defeated Holly Holm to become the inaugural champ. It was understood that she would then face Cyborg Justino as her first defense. Unfortunately, De Randamie no longer wants to compete at 145 lbs and was stripped of her newly-earned belt. That means Cyborg Justino will challenging Invicta 135 lb champion for the UFC women’s 145 lb belt. Initially, Megan Anderson, Invicta’s 145 lb champion, was going to be fighting, but she pulled out due to injury.
Cyborg is probably the most dangerous female on the planet. Her muay-thai skills are second to none, and her physical gifts allow her to bring an athleticism and power that most girls have never felt before. That being said, Evinger might be the most skilled fighter Justino has fought despite being smaller. Evinger is also tough as hell, which is evident by her stepping up to replace Megan Anderson. She’s also on a 10-fight win streak.
The rest of UFC 214 Fight Card:
Jimi Manuwa vs Volkan Oezdemir – This bout serves as a potential substitute incase Jon Jones doesn’t make it to the fight (since he has established himself as high-risk). If Jon Jones can’t fight, it’s well understood that Jimi Manuwa will replace him.
Ricardo Lamas vs Jason Knight
Sage Northcutt vs John Makdessi
Aljamain Sterling vs Renan Barao (catchweight 140 lbs)
Brian Ortega vs Renato Moicano
Andre Fili vs TBA (originally Doo Ho Choi)
Kailin Curran vs Alexandra Albu
Sara McMann vs Ketlen Vieira
Josh Burkman vs Drew Dober
Eric Shelton vs Jarred Brooks
Dimitri Smoliakov vs Adam Wieczorek
