With Rashad Evans injured, it was expected that his co-main event bout with Daniel Cormier was to be scrapped. However, after Cormier pleaded for a fight, the UFC has stepped up and he will now face Patrick Cummins.
Patrick Cummins steps in to face Daniel Cormier at UFC 170
UFC President Dana White announced the latest match-up on Thursday.
Evans was forced out of the co-main event with a leg injury which occurred during training.
Cummins (4-0) is a two-time All-American and U.S. National wrestler, with an undefeated MMA record. With only four professional bouts under his belt, experience could come in to play against Cormier. All four of his victories have come by either submission or TKO in the very first round. Most recently “Durkin” defeated Willie Smalls at a regional event in May of last year.
Cormier (13-0) may not have had a fight at light heavyweight yet, but some people are already saying he should be fast-tracked towards a title shot. That’s because the former Olympic wrestler has plowed through 13 straight heavyweights, often making it look easy.
UFC 170 will go down on February 22 from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, NV. Headlining the event will be Ronda Rousey and Sara McMann for the women’s bantamweight championship.