Daniel Cormier, a light heavyweight champ is all about legacy.
Cormier will try to make history when he fights UFC heavyweight champ Stipe Miocic in the UFC 226 main event in July. A victory would give Daniel Cormier two belts, making him only the second to hold concurrent titles in UFC history.
Before Cormier and Miocic clash in a legit super fight on July 7, they’ll coach opposite each other on the 27th season of “The Ultimate Fighter.” (TUF)
Cormier lived up to his promise with a swift rise up the ranks while held together 13-0 record as a heavyweight, including a run through the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix that included a victory over former UFC champion Josh Barnett and former title contender Antonio “Bigfoot” Silva.
After making an entry in the UFC, Cormier has overthrown every obstacle put in front of him minus a pair of fights against longtime rival Jon Jones. Jones is currently sidelined after testing positive for steroids following their last fight in July 2017 and can face possible four-year of suspension. So Cormier cant avenge his loss to Jones, so his upcoming fight with Miocic is a chance where Cormier can become a second ever simultaneous two-division champion in the UFC, which Jones never even tasted.
“It’s never been done before. The crazy thing when [Jon] Jones beat me, he asked to fight Brock Lesnar and he also said, ‘Hey, you guys can’t force me up to heavyweight, it’s one thing to fight a heavyweight, a guy that’s big. It’s another thing to go up and fight a guy that’s big, but also really, really good.’ So, he didn’t seem too stoked on it. I think it just shows the difference in mentality.”
“Instead of saying I don’t know about it, he’s too big, he’s too good. I just say bring them on. Let’s do it. This gives me exactly what I’ve been pining for. I get this done, [and] everything I’ve always wanted, wished for, and hoped for, is not only a reality, but it’s my truth now. I can honestly say I am one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time and have no reservations about it and no one can question it. They can only say, ‘You know what, he’s accomplished, he has that right, and he’s earned it.’” — Daniel Cormier speaking to MMA Weekly.
Cormier knows his career will always be bound to Jones in some form or fashion. He’s learned to live with that.
Jones failed on a potential move to heavyweight for years, and while there was talk about him getting matched up with Stipe Miocic last year, that dropped by the wayside when he was suspended.
Well the UFC has put him in position to be in one of the biggest fights its ever done, like he’s had in front of him before. But a loss, like the Jones fights, would haunt him, Cormier said.
UFC 226 takes place July 7 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The main card will air on pay-per-view following prelims expected for FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.
