1. Move fast and stay light
Despite his stocky build, Cormier has earned a reputation as one of the most athletic fighters in UFC, a trait that has greatly aided his run as champion.
Now that he is fighting at heavyweight again, it stands to reason that DC won’t maintain the same level of agility as he did at light-heavyweight. However, Cormier has proved time and time again that he is the fastest big man in UFC.
Miocic’s style is hard hitting and forward pushing, and is certainly not easy to finish, with only one TKO loss in his career. Therefore, whether DC can get a knockout or not is secondary.
The Louisiana native needs to land with precision rather than with power and wear Miocic down over five rounds.
If Cormier can pick up the finish, then all the better, and no doubt his primary tool will be his wrestling. However, DC is an immaculate striker who can do some serious damage to Miocic if he uses his presence as an athletic fighter to his advantage.
Next: Miocic-Cormier previews and predictions
Miocic is not sluggish by any means, but if Cormier can use his movement to duck and weave through his offense, and hopefully land in kind, then we could be seeing another champ champ very soon!