Saturday's UFC 252 card marked the final chapter of Daniel Cormier's illustrious MMA career. He has left an ever-lasting mark on the sport, and created so many great moments for fighting fans all around the world. No one can deny this man has earned greatest of all time status contention. The MMA Mindset take a look at some of his best and most career-defining moments.
Becoming Two-Weight World Champion
After dominating Volkan Oezdemir at UFC 220, Daniel "DC" Cormier would set his sights on the man that defended his title in the main event of 220, Stipe Miocic. This was the money fight Cormier had always wanted, and his thirst for greatness would not let him pass up this opportunity. The then 39-year-old went into his Heavyweight title fight with Miocic with immense confidence and hunger.
"DC" made quick work of the Cleveland native, knocking him out in the very first round. It was a fantastic moment for fans watching at home, as a lifetime of hard work and dedication finally paid off. It is the picture moment in what can only describe as a legendary career.
Defeating Alexander Gustafsson
Cormier's bout with Alexander Gustafsson was without any doubt one of his hardest-fought victories of all time. This Hall of Fame worthy fight delivered in every way imaginable, with both men imposing their will and looking to finish.
The reason this fight is so pivotal in the career of the former Olympian is that while everyone knew Cormier had the skills and the ability... this proved he had the heart. This fight showed Daniel had the ability to push through adversity and pull himself out of deep waters. Once again another moment of immense pressure and expectation, but one that he handled like the champion he is.
Winning the Light Heavyweight Title
After losing to Jon Jones in January of 2015, Daniel Cormier was given the opportunity to fight for the title once more, after Jones was charged with a hit-and-run felony. He would face knock-out machine Anthony "Rumble" Johnson at UFC 187.
"Rumble" would live up to his name, sending Cormier flying across the Octagon with an over-hand right. There are few fighters who have taken this shot, and come back to win the fight. However, "DC" regained his composure, and dispatched the Johnson in the third with a rear-naked choke.
Daniel's first taste of UFC gold and he has been an ever-present fixture in the title picture ever since.
The Jon Jones Rivalry
This is most probably the most career-defining period in Daniel Cormier's career. The Jones/DC rivalry will live on forever as one of the most intense in the history of the sport. The pure hatred the men seemed to have for each other was palpable, and every press conference and media day, fireworks would be inevitable.
The bad blood started in 2014, after Cormier took to the mic after defeating Dan Henderson is a fantastic display. The former Olympian said "Jon Jones, you can't run away from me forever", and with that, the feud began. Though "DC" would lose on two occasions to Jones (one of them overturned by the CSAC), he came out of the situation with class, dignity and respect.
Their rivalry will be talked about forever, and there will always be that one question; what would happen in a third fight at heavyweight?
The Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix
The Strikeforce Grand Prix is the first, and arguably most important, big moment in Cormier's MMA career. After beating Devin Cole, Jeff Monson and Antonio Silva, "DC" would face giant Josh Barnett in the final.
Daniel was far smaller than "The Warmaster", however, he showed the elite wrestling and striking we have all come to know. He ground out the decision win, and therefore won the Strikeforce Heavyweight GP, after coming into the tournament as a massive underdog.
The moment that definitely put the rest of the MMA world on watch, and one that showcased the true potential of the AKA product.
It remains unclear if we will ever see Cormier enter the cage again, but I am sure I speak for everyone in saying if it was the last time, it's been a pleasure to watch you compete. Enjoy your retirement, champ.
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