Daniel Cormier is one of the most decorated legends in UFC history. During his prime, the former UFC double champion delivered some of the most exciting title fights to fans. ‘DC’ began MMA late in his career but has accomplished a great deal despite humble beginnings. Only a handful of fighters come close to his accomplishments.
Dabur Cormier grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana, and became a three-time state wrestling champion. His father was shot and killed when he was young. During his teenage years, his family struggled financially, prompting the former UFC champion to take drastic steps. During a recent interview, DC hilariously talked about the time he tried selling fake drugs in the streets and got caught.
I was the worst drug dealer of all time. I was 16 years old, we made fake drugs… I give it the guy, he tastes, he realize it was fake, starts chasing me. He caught me, he was fast. I have him the money back.
Daniel Cormier via Pound 4 Pound Podcast
Cormier mentioned that he was terrified and thought he was about to get killed. But after realization, he never did the fake drugs sale again. The veteran gave his example to share the situation of other young people who often fall into this trap. DC mentioned that he tries his best to give back to his people and ensure that others don’t ruin their lives for quick money.
After his retirement, DC joined the UFC as a full-time analyst and commentator and is well respected in the MMA community. While there has been occasional criticism, DC is mostly appreciated by the fans. His emotional reaction to Justin Gaethje getting brutally knocked out by Max Holloway was one of the most viral in recent times.
What makes Daniel Cormier so different?
Daniel Cormier is known in MMA for his Olympic-level wrestling, having won UFC championships in both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions. He is known for his high fight IQ and blends great grappling with intelligent striking. Despite being smaller than many of his opponents, Cormier’s tenacity to win fights made him different from others.
Daniel Cormier double champion (via X)DC’s rivalry with Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic gave fans some of the best fights during that era. His mental toughness was second to none, earning him great victories in his UFC career. On top of all that, DC wasn’t built like a lethal fighter and surprised fans despite his weird physique. Former UFC champion Israel Adesanya once touched upon this and shared his views on DC.
He’s chunky. He a thick boy. He’s 246 but he doesn’t move like a 246…it’s deceptive.
Israel Adesanya via JRE MMA Show #35
Apart from all his achievements as a fighter, DC is well known for being a comic relief. The decorated fighter has a great relationship with everybody and often brings out the funny side of others. His banters with UFC lightweight legend Khabib Nurmagomedov are some of the most viral videos in the MMA community.
