“People Start to Question You”- Daniel Cormier Opens Up on the Mental Toll of Losing

Daniel Cormier appeared on the latest edition of DC and Helwani. They discussed various topics related to the fight business at length. Eventually, they landed on one of the hottest topics today, the return of “The Reaper“.

Robert Whittaker jumped back onto the radar as he appeared in an interview with “The Daily Telegraph”. Whittaker revealed that he met a ‘mental burnout’ after his fight with Adesanya. This caused him to take some time away from the fight world.

Whittaker’s comments make one realize just how devastating losses can be in a sport as gruesome as MMA. DC reflected on the lows of his career to explain what goes through a fighter’s mind when he/she loses.

He said, “The hardest times for me, and I think this is what happened with Rob, is right after you lose a fight. Because everybody is talking ‘for’ you. Everybody’s trying to figure out what you’re doing. Where you’re going next. It’s hard to sit away and not say anything. We’re very  “entuned” with what’s going on.”

“You still have to stay within yourself”- Daniel Cormier speaks about the difficulties of facing losses in combat sports

DC told Helwani what exactly used to go on in his mind when he encountered the lows of his career. Taking an example of his Olympic career, DC explained how he would take time off, always try to rectify his mistakes and come back better and stronger. 

However, everything that people would say about him in the meanwhile would cause his focus to divert. Even though people know that ignoring negativity is the wisest thing to do, it is just impossible at times. Especially when one loses a fight. The most intimate display of skills and talent. And the grandest stage for people to identify flaws.

“People start to question [you]”, DC said. “When you win, they’re calling you the greatest fighter of all time. [But] then, when you lose, they start to take all those things away. As if what you did prior does not matter. So you still have to stay within yourself and not address everybody, or address all those allegations…it’s very difficult.”

DC went on to explain how Whittaker went through something similar. After Rob lost the title and subsequently focused on training, various rumors started springing up. Including one where people suggested that Whittaker participated in bone marrow exchange for his daughter.

Obviously, nothing of the sort happened. But Daniel believes that all the rumors and criticism apparently took their toll on Whittaker’s health, both physical and mental.

Do you agree with Daniel Cormier?