When Daniel Cormier battles Stipe Miocic for the third time on the upcoming UFC 252 card in August, more is at stake than just the heavyweight title.
Because Cormier and Miocic split a couple of previous fights, the winner of the trilogy will close the book on the rivalry. Beyond those bragging rights, UFC President Dana White argues that whoever raises his hand in that fight will become the greatest heavyweight UFC has ever produced.
“The truth is, this fight with all the fuss, one of these two that wins the fight, is definitely considered the best heavyweight in UFC history and they are both candidates,” White recently told ESPN.
“If you look at what Stipe and Cormier have accomplished in two different weight classes, what this man has accomplished is one of the best of all time.”
It is difficult to discuss that logic considering the curious resumes that Miocic and Cormier have put together in their respective careers.
Before his title loss to Cormier in 2018, Miocic had already broken the record for the most title defenses in UFC heavyweight history while beating a long list of the best contenders and former champions on the road. .
Meanwhile, Cormier was undefeated as a heavyweight until his second fight with Miocic last year with a long list of victories in both the UFC and Strikeforce. He may have done even more at heavyweight if it wasn’t for his decision to drop to 205 pounds to avoid a possible collision with teammate and close friend Cain Velásquez.
At light heavyweight, Cormier also became champion in that division, possibly putting him on the short list as one of the best fighters in the history of the sport, regardless of weight class.
The magnitude of this fight is not lost on Cormier, who has already declared that winning, losing or drawing will be his last appearance inside the octagon.
“I don’t even think the pressure comes from retirement or something,” Cormier explained when speaking to MMA Fighting. “I think the pressure comes from what you just said: it’s the third fight. It is the fight ends the debate. The stakes are high in this fight.
“Not only the world heavyweight championship but also whoever wins this fight will be remembered as the greatest heavyweight of this era and the greatest heavyweight in UFC history.” This is a great fight. This fight has a lot at stake. “
If White has his way, Cormier will continue to fight regardless of the outcome of his fight against Miocic.
The UFC president rarely tried to convince a fighter to retire, but that’s the kind of admiration White has for Cormier, even as he nears his 42nd birthday in 2021.
“I hope not,” White said of the trio with Miocic serving as Cormier’s final fight. “You know me, when it is time to retire for men, I am the first to say hello, you probably should be.
“What is crazy is that Cormier is old, but he is still one of the best of all time.” Mastered two weight classes. I still think he has a lot left but it’s not my body. He really knows the answer to that. “
