Cormier adds another big bout to his legacy

Unlike the UFC’s first two trips to Madison Square Garden, it’s unlikely we’re going to look back on UFC 230 and talk about history being made.

There were competitive, fun fights. Israel Adesanya confirmed he’s a star, while Daniel Cormier proved once again that he’s as good as it gets in the fight game.

So no, this never reached the heights of the UFC’s previous forays into MSG, but it was only a month ago that we were watching the highest-selling pay-perview in MMA history.

Here are some important takeaways from Saturday’s card:

1.

AS GOOD AS IT GETS

Daniel Cormier made it look easy in the main event against Derrick Lewis. That’s not to say anything about the process of becoming both the UFC’s heavyweight and light-heavyweight champion is easy, or what Cormier did was simple. Cormier is simply so far ahead of the pack that he can roll into MSG on short notice and completely negate an opponent’s strengths by taking him down and beating him up.

Because he’s lost twice to Jon Jones, it’s hard to make the argument that Cormier is the best MMA fighter of all-time, but the guy should probably be No. 2 on everybody’s list.

2.

NEXT TO STEP UP

Cormier only has time for one more fight before he retires in March on his 40th birthday.

He wants that fight to be against Brock Lesnar, the former heavyweight champion who is a superstar in the WWE. The UFC wants it to happen, too.

If Lesnar isn’t available, Cormier wants to go back down to lightheavyweight and fight Jones, assuming Jones beats Alexander Gustafsson at UFC 232.

3.

ON THE RISE

Israel Adesanya has fought four times in 2018, and he’s looked better every time he’s walked into the octagon.

Saturday was his best showing so far, as Adesanya stopped multiple takedown attempts from established veteran Derek Brunson and then finished the fight with a thrilling sequence.

What was impressive about the finish was that Adesanya didn’t simply rush in and go wild with punches after he hurt Brunson. He patiently unloaded kicks, punches and knees while staying out of danger. It was genuinely beautiful, and confirmed Adensanya as the UFC’s next big thing.