We have seen Daniel Cormier's magnificent career come to an end, so let's go back in time and relive the events that made him famous.
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The term “Daniel Cormier” is a byword for excellence in the world of mixed martial arts. The Olympic wrestler boasts of a legacy that very few people can even imagine since he has defeated nearly everyone who has stood in his way.
The last time he entered the Octagon was for his final professional match. And there was no stage larger that could have been used to say goodbye to the living icon. In the last match of their trilogy, DC took on former UFC Heavyweight Champion Stipe Miocic, which resulted in the determination of the Greatest Heavyweight Of All Time. Despite Stipe’s victory, DC will always and forever hold a special place in people’s hearts.
Throughout his career, Cormier has faced legendary opponents like Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic, Anderson Silva, Anthony Johnson, Alexander Gustafsson, and many others.
The UFC took over Strikeforce in 2013. On the UFC on FOX 7 program, several of the veterans, including Jorge Masvidal, Yoel Romero, Gilbert Melendez, and Daniel Cormier, made their UFC debuts. In his inaugural fight, Cormier faced off against former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir. Mir had been fighting at the highest level for more than ten years at that point and was regarded as one of the great legends of the sport.
But in the clinch with Mir, DC displayed his natural strength and power. Additionally, Cormier had a sophisticated kicking display, which is an aspect of his game that we no longer see from him. Even a leaping head kick was tried by him.
Mir did succeed in hitting DC in the body. However, Cormier’s combination of grappling, hitting, and clinch fighting was sufficient in the three-round fight. Cormier prevailed through a unanimous decision, according to the judge’s scorecard. Cormier undoubtedly accomplished a lot by defeating Frank Mir, a former champion and one of the best heavyweights of all time, in his UFC debut.
One of the most accomplished MMA fighters in history is Dan Henderson. He was the final light heavyweight champion for Strikeforce and a former Olympic wrestler. Henderson also held the title of Pride FC’s two-division champion.
Cormier showed up at UFC 173 and delivered maybe his finest MMA performance to date. From the beginning of “Hendo,” DC is controlled completely. DC then ragdolled Henderson on command after grabbing hold of him. achieving numerous trips, a takedown, and hurling Henderson across the octagon. In the end, Cormier won through submission in the third round. But no one has ever completely overpowered Dan Henderson in the octagon before or after.
To face Stipe Miocic for the belt, Daniel Cormier went up to the heavyweight division. It was his third match in the UFC division. However, he hasn’t competed at heavyweight in over 5 years. On the other side, with his victory against Francis Ngannou before that, Miocic established the record for the most successful championship defenses in UFC heavyweight history. But in the first round, Cormier defeated the incumbent champion by landing a powerful blow while in the clinch.
Given Stipe’s well-known resilience to injury and body shots, it was a significant victory for DC. In fact, a lot of spectators and analysts were taken aback by DC’s quick victory. However, it simply enhances Cormier’s reputation. Even for Cormier, who has had a very distinguished career, moving up a division and defeating a dominating champion like Miocic was undoubtedly one of his most memorable achievements.
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