Daniel Cormier debuted in the UFC after he was already an outlier in a sport obsessed with youth. Following the dissolution of Strikeforce, Cormier entered the UFC as a top contender at the age of 33, unanimously winning against the former heavyweight champion Frank Mir. Cormier carried a pristine wrestling resume with him forged on Olympic mats, not under bright MMA lights. DC was one of the most technically sound wrestlers of his time, who adapted to the UFC grind and dominated it. The UFC Hall of Famer now has a solid plan to bring elite wrestling back into the octagon again.

Upon arriving in the UFC, Cormier’s high-level wrestling foundation immediately proved its value, carrying him to championships in two different divisions. This is exactly why Cormier now speaks of Team Khabib’s dominance in the UFC and other promotions. He emphasizes the need for American wrestlers to claim their place at the top of MMA. His commentary does not serve as criticism, but as a calculated analysis from someone who has already walked that path.

Daniel Cormier believes American wrestlers are the key to MMA’s next era

“American wrestlers aren’t as open to fighting as we need them to be. But I have a plan. I’m getting American wrestlers into fighting. I love those guys – I love Khabib, I love Islam. Those guys are the best. But I want American wrestlers as champions.”

America boasts one of the greatest wrestling divisions in the NCAA, comprised of folkstyle wrestling, with teams that are among the toughest ever formed, with America achieving 7 medals at the 2024 Paris Games, reinforcing Daniel Cormier’s belief that the talent pool already exists for the U.S. to reassert itself at the top of modern MMA.

Kade Ruotolo

ONE Championship

Daniel Cormier shares his GOAT list and the logic behind each pick