With Weigh-Ins Complete, UFC 214 Appearing to be a Reality

Bo Templin
Jul 28, 2017 · 3 min read

Former University of Missouri All-American wrestler Tyron Woodley looks to defend his welterweight title in the co-main event of UFC 214 Saturday night at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California. Woodley, 35, will face Brazilian jiu-jitsu ace Damien Maia.

Woodley’s ties to Mizzou are strong. Born in Ferguson, MO, Woodley was an all-state football player and wrestler. He revitalized the wrestling program that has gone on to feed top tier wrestlers to even the Olympic ranks. When he was victorious against Robbie Lawler last year on July 30th, 2016 — I was at Buffalo Wild Wings with hundreds of other proud Mizzou fans watching on. The atmosphere was thrilling and when Woodley knocked out Lawler, it was nothing short of emphatic.

That night at “B-Dubs” was buzzing. Black and gold flooded the bar and Mizzou pride was in full effect. While MMA may not have the commercial appeal of other mainstream sports, Woodley has proven himself to be one Mizzou’s most successful alumni. Even if you haven’t fallen in love yet with the bizarre world of MMA, Tyron Woodley is undeniably deserving of support from the school that he has helped develop some phenomenal athletes.

July 29th will mark the 365th day of Woodley’s title reign. A victory for him would mean that reign would see a second year. A victory for Maia would make it 18 in the octagon, tying him with middleweight champion Michael Bisping for most UFC wins of all time.

The main event of UFC 214 is a much anticipated rematch between Light Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier and his bitter rival, former champion, Jon “Bones” Jones. Cormier, 38, looks to avenge the sole loss on his 20 fight MMA career.

Jon Jones has fought once since his victory over Cormier in 2015. He tested positive for cocaine in a post fight drug test following his bout with Cormier. Jones also tested positive for two banned substances three days before his scheduled rematch with DC at UFC 200. Jones was handed a two year suspension(which was reduced to one after an appeal) leaving many fans feeling unsure if they would ever see him in the octagon again.

His legacy is still much intact despite all his transgressions as many still consider Jones to be the pound-for-pound king of the UFC. Well the patience has paid off (barring another self destructive tactic from Jones, or Cormier misses weight). On Saturday night fans will be able to set aside all the pre-fight banter and enjoy what is sure to be an electric battle.

For newer fight fans, here are some things to take note of; Jones is a heavy favorite in the eyes of Las Vegas. An easy way to keep engagement with the event is through some “fun-sized” bets with friends. Jones is a (-260) favorite. Seeing this type of disrespect to the Champion, Daniel Cormier, is rare. Cormier is seen as an (+200) underdog.

Woodley is also a strong favorite with Vegas giving him (-205). This is the first time since being crowned champion that Woodley is considered to be the favorite.

Other exciting names fighting on Saturday include: Cris “Cyborg” Justina, “Rutheless” Robbie Lawler, Donald “Cowboy” Cerrone, and Jimi Manuwa.

And if all of that is not enough to keep you entertained (it will don’t worry). To me there is nothing more epic than the introductions of the fighters done by the one and only Bruce Buffer.

Here is a quick clip of Bruce Buffer introducing Conor McGregor in his last fight in New York.

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