You didn't need the bell to ring or the fists to start flying for drama at UFC 210.
This morning at weigh ins for the main event the defending light heavyweight champ Daniel Cormier initially tipped the scale at 206.2 pounds, above the threshold of 205 for the division.
He did shed the weight -- in less than two minutes which raised eyebrows in the MMA community -- and expects to defend his title against Anthony Johnson who he defeated back in UFC 187.
“Nothing is going to be different” Cormier told the crowd inside of KeyBank Center. “I do respect ‘Rumble’ (Anthony Johnson) and his ability. I’m honored to be here in Buffalo but tomorrow I will hear ‘And still’ and then I’ll move on with my career.”
To add the drama of the day, a women's strawweight match between Cynthia Calvillo and Pearl Gonzalez was initially called off.
Gonzalez has breast implants and according to the New York State Athletic Commission, you aren’t allowed to participate due to a fear of implants rupturing.
It's a rule Gonzalez didn't even know existed, but is glad to have been cleared and able to make her debut Saturday night.
“I’ve never lied about it, which is when they asked me if I had a surgery I told them,” Gonzalez explained to reporters after weigh ins.
“I don’t think I wanted the world to know about my surgery and to be talked about like this. I’ve worked hard to show how tough and talented I am and I have a lot to bring to this division.”
The full fight card for UFC 210 at KeyBank Center is listed below.
Preliminary Fights - Beginning at 6:15 pm
Gregor Gillespie (8-0) vs. Andrew Holbrook (12-1)
Josh Emmett (10-0) vs. Desmond Green (19-5)
Katlyn Chookagian (8-1) vs. Irene Aldana (7-3)
Jenel Lausa (7-2) vs. Magomed Bibulatov (13-0)
Myles Jury (15-2) vs. Mike De La Torre (14-6)
Kamaru Usman (9-1) vs. Sean Strickland (18-1)
Shane Burgos (8-0) vs. Charles Rosa (11-2)
Patrick Cummins (8-4) vs. Jan Blachowicz (19-6)
Main Card - Beginning at 10 p.m.
Daniel Cormier (c)(18-1) vs. Anthony Johnson (22-5)
Chris Weidman (13-2) vs. Gegard Mousasi (41-6-2)
Cynthia Calvillo (4-0) vs. Pearl Gonzalez (6-1)
Thiago Alves (21-11) vs. Patrick Cote (23-10)
Will Brooks (18-2) vs. Charles Oliveira (21-7-0, 1NC)
