Daniel Cormier has spoken about the upcoming MMA event on Netflix and the growing attention around it. The card is promoted by Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions and features several big names from combat sports. One of the fights that caught the most attention is Nate Diaz facing Mike Perry.
The event also includes matchups like Ronda Rousey against Gina Carano and Francis Ngannou taking on Philipe Lins. With well known fighters involved, the card has created strong interest among fans.
Cormier said the Diaz and Perry fight stands out because of the energy both fighters bring, even if they are not ranked among the best in the division today.
“The third fight is what might have gotten me most excited: Mike Perry and Nate Diaz,” Cormier said. “Now, let me tell you why. are not two of the best welterweights in the world, make no mistake about it. They are not of the level of Kamaru Usman, Islam Makhachev, Jack Della Maddalena, Michael Morales, Sean Brady, and Ian Garry. They’re not that. They are not that level of fighter. The best fighters are in the UFC, make no mistake about that.
“But why would that excite me? Because of the names, and because you know what it’s going to bring. You can have fights, and you can have matchups that are great on paper, but the whole thing leading is a bit of [boring]. But this one will not be. This is two guys that know how to engage an audience, and they know how to make people pay attention to what they’re doing.”
UFC Still Sets the Standard
Cormier also spoke about the bigger picture of the sport. He said it is good to see another platform giving fighters opportunities, especially on a service like Netflix that reaches a global audience.
“I also like that there is somewhere that seems like it’s real,” Cormier said.
“Nothing is ever going to be the UFC. It just won’t happen. But at least there it seems like it’s real; a real event on a real platform that gives these people an ability to not only make a living, but have people tune in. It’s free. It’s Netflix, one of the biggest platforms in the world. …“I think what they’ve done with this Carano Rousey card is make a real place for people to fight outside of the UFC. And, I mean, honestly, competition is a good thing. It always is and always has been, and it always will be. And I love seeing guys have the ability to go out there and make some money. So, congratulations. That’s good. I’m excited. I’m actually excited.”
Even with that interest, Cormier made his stance clear when comparing it to the UFC’s major event planned for June.
“But for people comparing it to the White House card, no chance, guys,” Cormier said.
“Come on! The White House card is the best card of the year, for sure. It’s better than that, let’s just be completely honest.”
The matchup between Diaz and Perry brings attention and entertainment value, but Cormier believes the UFC continues to deliver the highest level of competition in the sport.
