Patrick Cummins entered UFC 170 on just 10 days notice due to a freak training injury to Daniel Cormier’s original opponent Rashad Evans. Cummins was hailed as the Rocky story come to life as he headed into the Octagon on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Cummins was 4-0 and struggling to find fights; Cormier 13-0 and a former Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix Champion.

Two weeks ago, Cummins was pouring coffee, while Cormier was in the gym training with the best fighters in the world.

But much like Rocky Balboa in the movies, Cummins fell short in real life, although he wasn’t able to take it to a split decision as did Rocky.

Cummins was game enough, immediately trying to shoot on Cormier, but Cormier would have none of it, easily stuffing his attempts and then unloading with punches.

As Cummins kept coming forward, Cormier kept unleashing his hands, eventually sending Cummins to the mat via an uppercut. Cummins briefly regained his feet before Cormier's hands sent him crashing down once again.

This time, however, he wouldn’t find his feet again. Cormier swarmed and finished the fight in a flurry of punches, punctuating his distaste for Cummins’ trash-talking fight hype.

“It had to happen this way. It could not have went the distance,” Cormier declared. “I’m even mad that he hit me twice after all the talking that he did.

“When you talk, you gotta be able to back it up. That’s what I do.”

The fight was Cormier’s first at 205 pounds. Having gone so well, he believes he’s ready for anyone in the division, even the champ, Jon Jones.

Jones has a title defense already slated against Glover Teixeira at UFC 172 on April 26, but Cormier let it be known that he is ready if either man falters before they meet in the cage.

“I fit right at the top [of the light heavyweight division] and if either of those guys get hurt, just insert me into the line-up.”

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