In May 2014, Cormier faced Henderson in the co-main event of UFC 173: Barao vs. Dillashaw, which was his fourth UFC fight and his second at 205 pounds. Cormier was able to hurl Henderson to the floor with a spectacular slam in what was a full mauling.
In what was his fourth UFC bout at the time, and his second fight at 205lbs, Cormier took on Henderson in the co-main event of UFC 173: Barao vs. Dillashaw in May 2014. In what was a complete mauling, Cormier was able to throw Henderson to the floor with an incredible slam.
Seven years after the fight, Cormier shared a retrospective video on social media in which he reflected on one of his best MMA victories.
See the most recent Tweets from a discussion @dc MMA Daniel Cormier I adore Hendo, but this was insane. UFC 173 was held in 2014, and this is a throwback to that event.
The third-round technical submission (rear-naked choke) victory over Henderson was exactly what Cormier needed to earn his first chance at the UFC light heavyweight title against then-champion Jon Jones. Cormier faced Jones at UFC 182 in January 2015, seven months after destroying Henderson, and lost a unanimous decision in his effort to become the 205-pound champion. However, after Jones’ title was revoked, Cormier fought Anthony Johnson and claimed the vacant championship not long after in May 2015.
Cormier had a fantastic MMA career as a heavyweight and light heavyweight, but his most complete performance at 205 pounds may have been this bout versus Henderson, where he demonstrated his remarkable wrestling skills and strength, as well as his improved striking. It was the big performance he needed to prove to the world that he was ready to fight for the UFC light heavyweight title, and he did it in style, defeating Henderson, one of the hardest fighters of all time.
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