Daniel Cormier announces retirement after UFC heavyweight title loss to Stipe Miocic
One of the most decorated careers in MMA history has come to a disappointing close.
Former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier announced he was retiring after a decision loss to Stipe Miocic on Saturday.
"That'll be it for me."
Thank you for everything, @DC_MMA. #UFC252 pic.twitter.com/TZCOzJf7sN— UFC (@ufc) August 16, 2020
“I’m not interested in fighting for anything but titles, and I don’t imagine there’s going to be a title in the future,” Cormier said. “That’ll be it for me. I’ve had a long run, it’s been great. I just fought my last fight for the heavyweight championship. It was a pretty good fight.”
Cormier had said he was planning to call it quits after UFC 252, but actually saying it could have been another matter given how his final fight played out.
Rough end for Cormier’s great career
Cormier’s hope had been to recapture the UFC heavyweight belt with a win over Miocic and ride into the sunset, but the world had different plans. For starters, Cormier had to fight his final bout in an empty arena with no fans due to the coronavirus pandemic. The fight itself was close, but eventually resulted in a unanimous decision for Miocic.
The 41-year-old Cormier will retire with a 22-3-1 record. Those three losses and single no-decision came only against Miocic and Jon Jones, respectively the greatest heavyweight and light heavyweight in UFC history.
Outside of those two legends, Cormier was nearly untouchable. However, he was never able to get past Jones at light heavyweight — one loss was ruled a no-contest after Jones tested positive for turinabol — and ended his career losing the final two legs of his trilogy with Miocic.
Only losing to fighters like that signifies a stellar career, but it’s hard to imagine Cormier didn’t want more.
MMA world reacts to Cormier’s retirement
Many in the MMA world had messages of support for the departing legend:
Thanks for everything @dc_mma. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for you pic.twitter.com/xGHtWQlS6P
— danawhite (@danawhite) August 16, 2020
Respect @dc_mma
— michael (@bisping) August 16, 2020
It’s been an honor to cover @dc_mma fights all these years. He’s a future hall of famer & has always been such a pleasure to work with on his fight weeks (+ of course our broadcasts together). What an inspiration he is to so many, especially wrestlers looking to mma futures
— Megan Olivi (@MeganOlivi) August 16, 2020
@dc_mma You are a legend! Thank you for all you have done for this sport throughout the years! Such a positive role model! #UFC252 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/WkI5sPMnYh
— Marion Reneau (@BelizeanBruiser) August 16, 2020
@dc_mma 👊🏿 legend brotha
— U R I A H H A L L (@UriahHallMMA) August 16, 2020
Congrats @stipemiocic and thanks @dc_mma for giving us your all, Happy Retirement brother! Amazing 🙏🏽 @Ufc
— Jeremy Stephens (@LiLHeathenMMA) August 16, 2020
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) August 16, 2020
To still be fighting at the highest level at 40yrs old you cant not respect DC.
Has been an incredible role model, athlete and one of the greatest minds this sport has ever seen.
Even though he didnt get the W, congrats on an incredible career 👏🏻👏🏻 #UFC252— Megan Anderson (@MeganA_mma) August 16, 2020
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