Daniel Cormier is seeking new challenges at heavyweight.
UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier is arguably one of the greatest fighters of all time. However his career has been haunted by two losses to Jon “Bones” Jones. Now, with Jones out after failing another drug test, Cormier has received the opportunity to become the second man in UFC history to simultaneously hold two belts in two weight divisions, and cement himself as one of the greatest of all time. Late last week the UFC announced he would face heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic for the undisputed Heavyweight belt on July 7, at UFC 226 in Las Vegas.
Cormier and Miocic both are fresh off title defenses at UFC 220 against dynamic strikers. Both used strong wrestling background and championship experience to win against relatively green contenders. And with both divisions lacking any obvious next contenders, questions were immediately raised about a champion vs champion bout.
Cormier has competed at Heavyweight before. He won the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grad Prix, and was 2-0 in the UFC at Heavyweight before he dropped down to 205 to pursue gold. Now the weight cuts to 205 are getting tough for DC, and he is looking at retirement in the next year or so. There would be no better way to go out than against the greatest Heavyweight champion of all time Stipe Miocic, who’s stock has never been higher after a victory over the terrifying Francis Ngannou.
One of the most impressive aspects of this mega-fight is how quickly it came together. There was no media bickering or extended negotiation period. This can likely be attributed to DC and Stipe’s old school mentality, and the skills of UFC boss Dana White.
DC told TMZ, “[White] is a pretty persistent guy, and when he wants something done, he has ways of getting them done. And let’s just say I enjoy his ways.”
Many people are already picking the bigger Stipe to win this fight, but Daniel is unphased.
“I’ve never been afraid of a fight. That’s one thing: I’ve never been afraid of a fight.”
Another aspect to this fight is that prior to UFC 226, DC and Stipe will coach opposing teams of The Ultimate Fighter season 27. This is a great boost for a dying show. TUF was conceived in the hay-day of reality TV, and while it is still a reliable vehicle for finding contenders, it’s unfortunate that the toughest tournament in combat sports is still produced and promoted like “Jersey Shore.”
The fight itself between Stipe and DC will be nothing short of the highest level of MMA. DC is arguably a superior wrestler, but his constant pressure could land him in trouble against a true Heavyweight, especially one as mobile and accurate as Stipe.
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