Cormier will have the opportunity to participate in the "Fight Pit," a unique rules contest in which the ring ropes are eliminated in favor of a steel cage with a catwalk along the top.
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While he won’t be the one leaping over the top rope, Daniel Cormier is making his way into the realm of professional wrestling. Instead, at the next Extreme Rules pay-per-view slated for October 8 in Philadelphia, the UFC Hall of Famer and lifetime pro wrestling fan will act as the special guest referee in a “Fight Pit” battle between former UFC fighter Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins. Following Ariel Helwani’s first tweet, WWE representatives verified the information to MMA Fighting on Saturday.
Breaking:
Daniel Cormier will serve as guest referee for next Saturday’s Fight Pit Match between Matt Riddle and Seth Rollins at WWE’s Extreme Rules in Philly. Oct. 8.
No, seriously. It’s really happening. Oct. 8.
Incredible. pic.twitter.com/Ri8tHOTcU1
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) October 2, 2022
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Looks like Daniel Cormier is enjoying the new gig he got. As, while posting on Instagram a picture of his with Seth Rollins and Matt Riddle in the picture he quoted, “I will be fair. I’ll be honest. I’ll be impartial. And I will not take anyone’s s***. I will be there for a reason. The law has been called in, and I will enforce it with every part of myself to the fullest extent.”
Cormier grew up as a pro wrestling fan long before he became a two-division UFC champion, frequently idolizing many of the performers as he began his own athletic career. After competing in two Olympic games, Cormier rose to become one of the top freestyle wrestlers in the world, which ultimately led him to MMA.
Cormier was really in discussions with WWE regarding a potential on-air commentary position when his UFC career came to an end. He finally made the decision to remain a full-time employee of the UFC, where he now contributes as one of the top color analysts on many of the major shows, including pay-per-view events where he frequently analyses fights with Joe Rogan and Jon Anik.
Cormier will have the opportunity to participate in the “Fight Pit,” a unique rules contest in which the ring ropes are eliminated in favor of a steel cage with a catwalk along the top. Only a participant’s submission or inability to get up can finish the bout. During the months leading up to their first encounter in the UFC in 2015, Riddle and Rollins were embroiled in a nasty on-air narrative that included one interview that actually paid tribute to a notorious incident between Cormier and longtime adversary Jon Jones.
Before beginning his career in WWE, Riddle was a fixture in the UFC, where he amassed a 7-3 (2 NC) record after making an appearance on The Ultimate Fighter. After being fired from the UFC for failing repeated drug tests for marijuana, Riddle moved his focus to pro wrestling, where he has since grown to become one of the greatest names in the business. When Riddle and Rollins face off in a featured fight on the Extreme Rules pay-per-view, which also features former UFC champion Ronda Rousey in the main event, Cormier’s role will be to maintain order in the arena.
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