UFC 220 live blog: Daniel Cormier vs. Volkan Oezdemir

This is the UFC 220 live blog for Daniel Cormier vs. Volkan Oezdemir, a light heavyweight title fight at Saturday night’s UFC event at TD Garden in Boston.

Cormier, the current UFC light heavyweight champion, will look to defend his belt against Oezdemir, a knockout artist with an unblemished UFC record, in the co-main event.

Check out the UFC 220 live blog below.

Round 1: Oezdemir head hunting right away. Left punch by Oezdemir is landing, Cormier goes to grab his head but Oezdemir pushes him off. Leg kick by Oezdemir. Body kick lands for Cormier. “Let’s Go DC” chant breaks out. Oezdemir marching forward. He absorbs a jab and they briefly clinch. Now it’s Cormier pursuing. Oezdemir looking for that kill shot, then Cormier starts winging punches at Oezdemir’s head. Takedown blocked by Oezdemir. Somewhat sloppy, in-close brawl between the two. The pace slows with two minutes remaining. Oezdemir throws a left hook, then a high kick, neither land. Cormier staying evasive. Outside leg kick connects for Oezdemir. Cormier gets in with a right hand, then follows up with two more hard punches and Oezdemir is backing up. He tries to respond, but Cormier stays safe with head movement. Cormier jabs. Cormier with punches in the clinch. He catches a low kick and goes for a single leg, Oezdemir is on his back. He scrambles up, but Cormier takes his back and goes for a rear-naked choke. Is in deep and Oezdemir might have been saved by the bell.

MMA Fighting scores the round 10-9, Cormier.

Round 2: Oezdemir showing Cormier a lot more respect. The champion shoots in for the single leg again and he gets it, this time diving right into full mount. Crowd is firmly in the corner of “DC”. He’s all over Oezdemir, punching him from back control, then half guard, then side control. Cormier doing damage from the crucifix position. Just one unanswered punch after another with Oezdemir’s arms trapped. Referee Kevin MacDonald has no choice but to call this one off. Dominant performance by Cormier.

Official result: Daniel Cormier def. Volkan Oezdemir via TKO (ground-and-pound) at 2:00 of Round 2