Former two-division champion Daniel Cormier is set for his swansong fight against Stipe Miocic in an anticipated rubber match. The bout is scheduled for August 15 and will go a long way in determining the best UFC heavyweight. Moreover, he will be keen to cement his legacy in MMA with a statement performance to cap off a stellar career.

DC is arguably one of the most beloved figures in the sport of MMA as it stands today. However, this wasn’t always the case, as Cormier has faced his fair share of flak from fans and media alike. Chiefly, a notable instance that sticks out includes a botched weigh-in attempt that will live on in infamy.

Daniel Cormier and the infamous Towelgate

The incident in question occurred in the lead-up to UFC 210, when the then 205-pound champion faced Anthony Johnson. Additionally, the fight was a rematch, and DC had gotten the better of ‘Rumble’ in their first outing. Fans of the sport were excited to see the rematch, which saw a determined Johnson in the build-up to the bout.

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However, the over-arching narrative of the fight would go on to become the weigh-in, which was controversial, to say the least. The undisputed champion stepped on the scale 1.2 pounds over the required championship limit. In light of this incident, there was a possibility that he could face consequences in terms of his 205-pound strap.

However, tides turned for the Olympian when he returned to the scale two minutes later and made the limit. Chiefly, fans and critics zeroed in on the fact that Cormier was holding onto the weigh-in towel. This occurrence caused rampant speculation and subsequent allegations of cheating. The MMA community was quick to send a barrage of criticism towards Cormier.

The future Hall of Famer spoke to Ariel Helwani via Bloodyelbow and aimed to set the record straight for the fans.

“When I got off the scale the first time, I walked away, and they didn’t cover me,” Cormier said. “So obviously, a guy thinks that he’s losing everything that he’s worked for on the scale, and we just walk back off the scale and nobody even worried about protecting me. So I was like, you know what, I’m going to hold the towel a little bit myself to make sure that I’m covered.”

“I didn’t even realize that I was doing it”

Cormier doubled down on his lack of awareness of the situation and remained firm in his resolve. He detailed his thought process leading-up to the infamous moment that captured the MMA world’s attention.

“Now, the reality is, I didn’t even realize I was doing that until I saw pictures, honestly. I’ve got to be completely honest with you, I didn’t even realize I was doing that. I was tired. I was very discouraged and upset because after that had just happened, so I didn’t even realize that I was doing it.”

At the brink of his retirement, Daniel Cormier has truly seen it all inside and outside the cage. His days of facing a barrage of hate from fans are behind him, although in some people’s minds the incident still sticks out. Now fighting at heavyweight, Daniel won’t have to concern himself with battling the scale.

Watch: Daniel Cormier Controversial UFC 210 Weigh In

Source: Bloodyelbow, MMA Fighting