Jimi Manuwa thinks Volkan Oezdemir can ‘shock the world’ against Daniel Cormier at UFC 220

Jimi Manuwa thinks Volkan Oezdemir is capable of shocking the world when he meets Daniel Cormier for the light heavyweight title at UFC 220, but he also feels he has unfinished business with the Swiss knockout artist.

Manuwa came up short against “No Time” at UFC 214, suffering a quick first-round knockout.

Considering the matchup between Oezdemir and Cormier, Manuwa insisted that while the champion has the edge on paper, the hard-hitting challenger has the potential to cause an upset.

“It’s an interesting fight, but on paper DC should win the fight all day long,” Manuwa told MMA Fighting. “At the same time, on paper I should have won my fight against Volkan all day long as well.

“Volkan could shock the world. I wouldn’t put it past him. At light heavyweight, it only takes one good shot, as we all know. It will be interesting, but I think DC will grind him out and possibly get the win by the third round. I think he should win it by the third, but it’s fighting and it’s hard to predict these things.

“Again, DC should win, but you can’t rule Volkan out because he’s a hard-hitter. He could shock the world. It’s very interesting.”

“Posterboy” thinks that there is a lot less pressure on Oezdemir to perform against Cormier, which could work to his advantage.

“I think he has a lot less pressure going in because he’s come out of nowhere. Being the underdog he doesn’t have to worry about anything else but getting in there and fighting. I think that’s a bonus for him,” he said.

Although he spoke very highly of his former opponent, Manuwa is adamant that he wants a rematch with Oezdemir.

“Honestly, I swear to God, I can’t wait to get in there and rematch him. I’ve been quiet because I don’t like to talk too much, but that’s the one loss that I definitely want to rematch.”

Should Cormier defend his title, Manuwa think the rematch could happen as soon as the summer:

“I think it could happen quite soon depending on what happens with him and DC. That rematch could happen this summer. After my fight in London, I’m going to stay ready. Hopefully he’s injury free and he’ll be ready soon.

“If he doesn’t lose, it could take a little longer, but I definitely want that rematch with him.”