Stipe Miocic vs Daniel Cormier Prediction and Odds, UFC 252

The biggest fight in recent MMA history originates this weekend at UFC 252 as champion Stipe Miocic and challenger Daniel Cormier settle their feud with an inevitable rubber match.

Cormier stunned Miocic at UFC 226 via first-round knockout. With the win, ‘DC’ became the first simultaneous light heavyweight and heavyweight titleholder. Unfazed, longtime 265 lb king Stipe Miocic retuned the favor igniting fourth-round fireworks at UFC 241 to reclaim gold. Now each meet for the unofficial billing of greatest UFC heavyweight ever. But who will earn that honor? Let’s examine further.

Daniel Cormier (-115, 22-2)

At 41, Cormier has only lost sparingly to elite competition. Though standing just 5’10 at heavyweight, the former Olympic wrestling captain is among the greatest mixed martial artists to step inside the Octagon. Following Jon Jones’ fall from grace, Cormier lifted the 205 pound division while capturing vacant light heavyweight championship honors and making three title defenses before upending Miocic. Overall, the AKA product holds wins over Antonio Silva, Josh Barnett, Frank Mir, Roy Nelson, Dan Henderson, Anthony Johnson, Anderson Silva and Saturday’s opponent.

Not quite as explosive due to advancing age and recent back surgery, Cormier still boasts powerhouse grappling adding 1.95 takedowns and 0.46 submissions per 15 minutes. DC used a massive first-round slam to set tone last August vs. Miocic. The problem, however, is Cormier couldn’t find a power victory route afterwards and eventually fell to the challenger’s length and sharper reflexes. Perhaps the smartest combatant of his era, Cormier will gameplan around blatant reach disadvantages. But it remains uncertain if, at 41, Cormier can inflict fight-ending damage while avoiding Miocic’s punishing output.

Stipe Miocic (-105, 19-3)

Stipe Miocic slots as an early favorite after finding his groove last time vs. Cormier. The well-versed 37-year-old has earned hall of fame credentials following erratic early Octagon performances which included a 2012 TKO loss vs. Sefan Struve. However, the past eight years have seen Miocic earn a 10-2 record while twice hoisting the UFC heavyweight crown. Blessed with size, speed and upper-tier wrestling, Miocic adds 4.95 significant strikes landed per minute and 2.20 takedowns per 15 minutes. Expect the younger standard-bearer to impose his wrestling on Cormier before gaining another stoppage over DC. Miocic boasts 15 stoppages through 19 paid wins. The Ohio native's hit list includes Francis N'Gannou, Junior Dos Santos, Alistair Overeem, Fabricio Werdum, Andrei Arlovski, Mark Hunt, Roy Nelson and Saturday's opponent.

The Prediction: As alluded to throughout, Miocic is younger, faster and much longer than a slightly past-it Cormier. The knock here isn't on Daniel Cormier's ability relative to the field, he's still above the other contenders, with N'Gannou perhaps being an exception. Rather, at 41, Cormier has faded enough in all areas where his only chance Saturday is a proverbial 'puncher's chance.' A repeat DC TKO vs. his rival wouldn't surprise. Although, the more likely outcome is Miocic weathering the early Cormier rush before using an eight-inch reach edge to pick apart the former heavyweight champ. The outcome for UFC 252's anticipated main attraction will be similar to, but quicker than the duo's previous bout.

The Pick: Stipe Miocic by TKO. If you want to lay a prop, take Miocic by 3rd round TKO.

Odds courtesy of BestFightOdds.com