Daniel Cormier choked out Derrick Lewis in the second round of their heavyweight championship at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night to retain the title 22-1.
Cormier became the first UFC player to defend titles in two weight classes, first in the light heavyweight and heavyweight divisions. Cormier roughed Lewis, took him down and locked him in a choke to force a submission halfway through the second round.
While Lewis threw a few punches at the defending champion, Cormier hardly took any damage. Instead, he wore out the 33-year-old by playing defense before bringing him down to force a choke. Saturday’s win was Cormier third victory in a row.
Earlier on, Cormier said he was planning to retire before his 40th birthday in March next year and wants his final match to be against WWE and former heavyweight champion Brock Lesner. The WWE wrestler is a giant of a man and a match with an equally large fighter is set to be big news for UFC.
While touting Lesner for a match, Cormier said,
“Brock Lesner, when you come, bring that brand new WWE title because I feel like being the WWE champion, too.”
The 39-year-old was also quick to praise Lewis on Saturday but made it clear that the 33-year-old was not yet in Cormier’s level.
“I come in here and try to do my thing,” Cormier said. “If you have to be one of the best in the world to even compete. Derrick is good, but just not that level yet.”
