Following Daniel Cormier’s devastating loss to Stipe Miocic last weekend at UFC 241, it’s not clear yet, whether we’ll see “DC” fighting in the Octagon again. But, as far as Dana White’s concerned, the former champ-champ remains one of the best fighters on the planet, and he’d like to see him fight again.
Speculation about Cormier’s retirement
Takl about when Cormier will hang-up-the-gloves has been a frequent topic of conversation for months. For some time, Cormier said he wouldn’t fight past his 40th birthday this past March. But, ultimately the star decided to fight beyond that point, and he signed to fight Miocic. But, even before the bout went down, Cormier was non-committal, in terms of whether he’d fight after UFC 241. Now that Cormier’s lost to Miocic, the renowned fighter’s said he’s taking some time to consider his next move.
White comments on Cormier’s future
White was on hand for the latest Dana White Contender Series card in Vegas Tuesday, and after the event, he spoke with the media. Not surprisingly, he was asked to comment on Cormier’s future, and here’s some of what the UFC President had to say (quotes via MMA Junkie):
“I think he’s one of the best in the world,” White said. “I was looking at the (official UFC) rankings today when they came out – it’s just (expletive) insane to me. This guy on Saturday night was the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He loses and drops to No. 7, and he loses to the No. 1 heavyweight contender in the world, and the guy who has the most consecutive title defenses in UFC history, and Cormier drops to No. 7? It’s crazy. He’s much higher than that, and he’s one of the best to ever do it. He’s still one of the best in the world.
“He looked damn good until, like I said the night of the fight, whoever came up with that ‘go to the body’ gameplan in between rounds was (expletive) brilliant. Brilliant. It was even more brilliant the way Stipe executed it. So, yes, I think he’s one of the best in the world, and I don’t think he should retire, but that’s up to him and his family.”
It’s certainly true that it’s not like Cormier was quickly blown away by Miocic. In fact, many people had him ahead three rounds to none, before Miocic took him out in round four. So, it’s not like we’re talking about a fighter who has lost multiple bouts in a row, or a fighter who hasn’t looked competitive (and Cormier’s been fighting the best of the best).
But, at this stage of the game, does Cormier really have anything to prove? Cormier has said he doesn’t need to fight for money, and he also works as a commentator. So, does he truly feel the need to return and beat Miocic for a second time? Assuming a third fight with Jon Jones is out of the equation?
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