Daniel Cormier Wants to Fight Stipe Miocic, But is Willing to Throw Hands With Francis Ngannou For HW Title

After Francis Ngannou scored yet another, jaw-dropping knockout at UFC 249, Daniel Cormier joked that he wasn’t interested in fighting the feared slugger. But, following the event, the legend made it clear that if throwing hands with Ngannou is his only option for another shot at the belt, he’s down.

Cormier confirms he’ll fight Ngannou if need be

Ngannou took on Jairzinho Rozenstruik at UFC 240 this past Saturday, and bombed out the noted kickboxer in just 20 seconds. It was Ngannou’s fourth straight, first-round stoppage, and his case for another shot at the heavyweight crown has never been stronger.

The man who is ahead of Ngannou in the title shot race, is of course, Cormier. The UFC is hoping to have Cormier and the champ Miocic battle in a rubber match.

But, on account of the coronavirus pandemic, Miocic has said his top priority right now are his responsibilities as a firefighter and a paramedic. He’s also talked about the fact he can’t properly train right now, and as a result, he doesn’t see him fighting until late fall.

Cormier, who plans to retire after one more bout, is hoping to face Miocic sooner than later. UFC President Dana White has also said he believes the rubber match should happen as planned, this summer.

So, due to all this, during ESPN’s post-fight show, Cormier was asked if he’d fight Ngannou, if the UFC ends up stripping Miocic of the belt (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“If Stipe won’t fight, then Francis Ngannou has earned a title fight,” Cormier said. “If somebody is fighting Francis Ngannou for the title, it’s going to be me.

All respect in the world to Francis Ngannou, but I’m not afraid of anyone. I’ll fight anybody on any planet.

I love Francis, I think he’s a sweetheart person. I would love to do my trilogy with Stipe Miocic, but if Stipe won’t fight, they’re going to take his belt just like Henry (Cejudo) gave up his and they’re going to make a fight between Francis and I for the belt. It’s as simple as that.

“I would rather fight the trilogy fight with Stipe Miocic, I think that for everything we have meant to each other with me winning one and him winning one. That would be great for me.

But if he doesn’t want to fight I want to fight my last fight. I want to fight whoever. And if it’s Francis Ngannou then I guess that’s who it’s going to be.”

But will this happen?

Now, first off, no one should be surprised that Cormier’s willing to fight Ngannou. “DC” is as game as it gets, and he’s likely very confident that his wrestling abilities would pose some issues for Ngannou.

That aside, will the UFC end up stripping Miocic? If he doesn’t agree to fight somewhat soon? It’s possible.

But, it’s more likely that some sort of compromise will get worked out here. Maybe the fight doesn’t take place in either July or August, but it gets booked for September.

Remember, we’re talking about Miocic being stripped, not an interim title being put on the line. That’s a much more significant move that could rupture relations with the champ.