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UFC 187: Start Time, Prelim Live-Stream Info and Full Fight Card Predictions

Nick Akerman@NakermanX.com LogoFeatured ColumnistMay 23, 2015

Anthony Johnson is pushed away by referee Herb Dean after beating Antonio Rogerio Nogueira by technical knockout during a light heavyweight mixed martial arts bout at a UFC on Fox event in San Jose, Calif., Saturday, July 26, 2014. Johnson won by technical knockout. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Jeff Chiu/Associated Press

Anthony "Rumble" Johnson will battle Daniel Cormier for the vacant UFC light heavyweight belt at UFC 187, a main event that was originally scheduled to feature superstar Jon Jones.

However, the UFC stripped Jones of his title and suspended him from the company after he was reportedly involved in a hit-and-run incident, per Fox Sports Live (h/t Mike Bohn and Matt Erickson of MMA Junkie). Having failed to capture the gold from Jones in January—losing via unanimous decision—Cormier has stepped up to provide Johnson's final hurdle for the prize.

This battle will round off a tremendous night of action in arguably the UFC's most stacked night of the year. Here, we detail starts times for the prelims and the main card, with a rundown of live-stream options for those who are watching online.

John Locher/Associated Press

Prelims Start Time: 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT/11:30 p.m. GMT.

Main Card Start Time: 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT/3 a.m. GMT.

Live Stream: Fight Pass, UFC TVYouTube.

Here's a full selection of predictions, followed by a focus on the main event:

UFC 187 Fight Card Predictions
PrelimsPrediction
Justin Scoggins vs. Josh SampoScoggins
Islam Makhachev vs. Leo KuntzMakhachev
Mike Pyle vs. Colby CovingtonCovington
Rose Namajunas vs. Nina AnsaroffNamajunas
Uriah Hall vs. Rafael NatalHall
Dong Hyun Kim vs. Josh BurkmanKim
John Dodson vs. Zach MakovskyDodson
Main Card
Joseph Benavidez vs. John MoragaBenavidez
Travis Browne vs. Andrei ArlovskiBrowne
Donald Cerrone vs. John MakdessiCerrone
Chris Weidman vs. Vitor BelfortWeidman
Anthony Johnson vs. Daniel CormierJohnson
Picks per Akerman

Johnson to Overcome Cormier...Just

Jessica Gow/Associated Press

It's been well over three years since Johnson last tasted defeat in the UFC. Vitor Belfort's victory at UFC 142 in January 2012 via rear-naked choke came inside the first round, but at that stage, it's fair to say The Phenom's explosive all-round style ranked as one of Johnson's most dangerous potential matchups. Rumble has worked tremendously hard since then, racking up nine victories, to put himself on the brink of glory.

Just like Belfort in 2012, Cormier should be considered a nightmare opponent for Rumble. DC's entire game plan is built around his top-quality wrestling skills. Cormier's stocky frame allows him to overpower opponents in close quarters, particularly on the ground and up against the cage.

Despite being three inches shorter than Rumble, per UFC.com, Cormier's high activity level will see him attempt to close the distance on Johnson's jab. He's a man who, if allowed to assert his bulk, will simply manhandle and overpower anyone in his path.

Pat Sullivan/Associated Press

Johnson is a strong defensive wrestler, but he cannot allow Cormier the chance to limit his movement. Rumble is better-suited to staying on his feet, utilising short, sharp combinations to stop Cormier from trudging forward. His jab is an obvious go-to weapon, but weaving in and out with a variety of kicks should also slow his opponent down.

Rumble is expecting Cormier to throw everything at him, per MMA Weekly:

MMAWeekly @MMAWeeklycom

Anthony Johnson: ‘Cormier Will Come at Me Like a Bulldog’ (#UFC187 Video) http://t.co/ruUp3Eq2I3 @Anthony_Rumble http://t.co/BNj9QOSa7V

This fight is going to boil down to minuscule details. Most significantly of all, Johnson's ability to concentrate is likely to be key. He is prone to losing his rhythm when under pressure, swinging wildly to try to regain control. These are the exact moments when Cormier can impose his frightening physicality.

However, Johnson's previous experience against Belfort should stand him in good stead here. He's become an increasingly thoughtful fighter over the years, mixing the right blend of control and all-out savagery, to put himself in this position.

If he moves unpredictably and doesn't engage in grapples or any kind of lockup, Johnson should score enough points to grab the title.