Daniel Cormier from UFC has experienced part of the highest highlights of the sport and the lowest lows.
The former two-division UFC champion hung his hat on a legendary MMA career in 2020 at the age of 41. Unlike most world champions, Cormier did not fought in the twenties, but 'DC' was still one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Daniel Cormier scored victories on 'The worst man on the planet' Stipe Miocic, Alexander Gustafsson and Anthony 'Rumble' Johnson (twice) during his heyday under legends such as Anderson Silva.
Almost five years with retirement and now a full-time commentator, Cormier does not regret much in his almost perfect UFC career, but there is a moment that stands out between him and the only opponent he could not beat: Jon Jones.
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Daniel Cormier wishes him to have remained 'locked' for Jon Jones Rematch
UFC Heavyweight Champion Jon Jones has seen his honest share of rivals since he won the UFC Light Heavyweight title in 2011, from Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson to Tom Aspinall. But nothing completely compared to the heat that Cormier and Jones had with all kinds of quarrels before their two fights.
A 38-year-old Cormier gave Jones one of his biggest challenges in their long-awaited Rematch on UFC 214 in 2017.
The title fight did not go on the five -round distance, because it did the first time at UFC 182, in which Cormier and Jones won a round before they entered a third round where Jones would find the finish at DC after landing a Flush Headkick.
“I fought very well,” Cormier said about his Rematch with Jones posted in a video posted by the Underground Kings of Eddie Alvarez.
“I started talking to him a bit and I lost the track and lost the focus and I am finally kicked in the head.
“I should have been locked up,” Cormier added.
“That is probably what I am most sorry about. I just felt so good that evening that I got a bit out of myself.”
Daniel Cormier about what he is most proud of in the MMA career
After he had lost Jon Jones the second time, Daniel Cormier would eventually regain his title while Jones was stripped of the title and was suspended for a positive drug test for anabolic steroid Turinabol. Jones vs. Cormier 2 was destroyed from a TKO result to a no-contest.
Running through the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions with two world titles straps, Cormier never jumped for the performance enhancers and has been near the top of the sport for ten years.
So what is 'DC' most proud of in his Hall of Fame career?
“Everything,” Cormier replied.
“When I started fighting, I was about 31 years old in my first fight.
“So I am proud to be able to do what I did at my age,” said Cormier.