Daniel Cormier has had an impressive career, sharing the Octagon with some of the best fighters in UFC history. Now a UFC Hall of Famer, Cormier remains a familiar face at major PPV events. Although he announced his retirement in 2020 as a former heavyweight and light heavyweight champion, UFC President Dana White believed he still had more to give.
Cormier’s career is closely tied to his rivalry with Jon Jones, with whom he fought twice for the light heavyweight title. Before one anticipated bout with Jones, the fight was canceled when Jones pulled out, and Cormier was quickly rescheduled to face other legendary fighters.
At UFC 200 in July 2016, Cormier was set for a rematch with Jones, but when Jones withdrew due to a potential drug violation just days before the event, UFC arranged for Cormier to fight former middleweight champ Anderson Silva in a light heavyweight, non-title bout. Despite knowing Silva was in poor condition and almost certain to win, Cormier admitted in a podcast interview that he was surprisingly anxious before the fight.
In 2015, Cormier had an intense year, rebounding from his loss to Jones, winning the vacant title against Anthony Johnson, and successfully defending it against Alexander Gustafsson. After a grueling fight with Gustafsson, Cormier needed a break but believed he dispatched Silva in a way that disrupted preparations for UFC 200.
Cormier recalled feeling like a novice entering the fight against Silva, even though the odds were in his favor. The match, which saw Cormier control Silva on the ground without seriously threatening him, is often viewed as a low point in UFC 200 by fans. Post-fight, Cormier explained to Joe Rogan that preparing for an opponent who pulled out just before the fight contributed to his nerves.
Cormier later got the chance to settle the score with Jon Jones in their rematch at UFC 214.
Fan Take: This story highlights the unpredictable nature of MMA and how even top fighters can face unexpected challenges that test their mental toughness. For fight fans, it’s a reminder that behind every event are dramatic stories of resilience and adaptation that enrich the sport’s history.
