We’re just over a week away from two huge title fights in Boston for UFC 220. In a way, the main and co-main events are mirror images of each other. Two hyped newcomers in Volkan Oezdemir and Francis Ngannou with one-punch knockout power, against champions seemingly on a completely different level than their competition. Daniel Cormier keeps reminding Oezdemir of that fact in the lead-up to their big showdown. Against Anthony ‘Rumble’ Johnson and before that against the top heavyweights in the world, Cormier has felt that power and has never been taken out by it.
“It’s crazy that this kid thinks he can knock me out with one punch. What happens when it doesn’t happen? You will all see next Saturday. I’ll stand with this kid and still beat him. There are levels to this game and this guy ain’t on the level. Volkan Oezdemir, you have done well but now you’re in over your head. Sharpening my tools with Javier Mendez. I am who I am because of who I am. Hard work and commitment is something I’ve always had in spades. I can’t wait to show you what we have been cooking up. We are AKA. Down goes Volkan.” — Daniel Cormier via his Instagram.
“After July 29, there was a stench. I can’t get rid of it until I go and I fight to get my hand raised again.”@DC_MMA #UFC220 pic.twitter.com/eZOrWVSmm1
— UFC (@ufc) January 11, 2018
Six minutes and ten seconds. That’s how long Volkan Oezdemir’s UFC career has been. He made his debut last year and in about the time it takes to cook a frozen pizza in the oven, he has a UFC light heavyweight title shot. No wonder he’s confident he’ll be able to take Cormier out in ‘No Time’, but Cormier has been here countless times. In what seems like the theme of UFC 220, Oezdemir will try to prove he’s more than just the new, hard-hitting guy on the block, while DC will look to keep on being the best light heavyweight in the world that isn’t named Jon Jones.
“I’m here. I’m going to fight for that belt for sure. Daniel chose me. I’m really humbled by this decision and I really can’t wait to give everything for this fight. I will have the title fight next. I’m going to knock him out in the first round. Again, No Time.” — Volkan Oezdemir speaking to BT Sport.
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 1/10/2018.