Daniel Cormier KO Knockout Anthony (Daniel Cormier New Champion)

LAS VEGAS – Five months ago, Daniel Cormier exited the UFC’s octagon with his head low, fighting back tears after suffering his first professional defeat.Tonight, in UFC 187’s headliner, he stormed out of the cage a winner, demanding the return of the fighter who should have been in his place and handed him that loss.A meek tap came at the 2:39 mark of the third round moments after Johnson dropped to his knees in exhaustion and Cormier honed in on a rear-naked choke, cinching his arms together after pounding on his foe as he’d done after gunslinging on the feet.The fight started with an eye poke after a brief exchange to Cormier. Afterwards, Johnson landed a big punch that knocked Cormier to the mat about 30 seconds into the bout. Cormier was able to recover and get Johnson’s back standing up and slammed him to the ground. Johnson was able to get to a knee to prevent being on the ground with his back exposed. Johnson got to his feet but Cormier had one of his legs and it went back to the mat.Johnson with a check hook scores. Cormier catches a kick, picks up Johnson and plants him on the mat. He's in half guard on top. Hard elbow on top now from Cormier. Cormier briefly locks up a kimura, but can't get it. He's still hunting it. Cormier lets go of the grip, but secures the crossface.Outside leg kick for Cormier while Johnson lands a hook. Johnson tries to take DC down and briefly does before DC pops back up again. Now DC turns him into the cage, gets behind him and drags him to the mat. Both fighters are exhausted. Johnson landed a couple shots while trying to hold of Cormier who was trying to keep him against the cage. Johnson dropped to his knees and Cormier had his back but couldn’t take advantage. Cormier had Johnson on all fours and carrying his weight, and then locked in the rear naked choke. Johnson taps and Cormier wins the bout.