For now, this seems to be the end of the line for Daniel Cormier.
On Monday, the former two-division UFC champion released his first statement since Saturday’s unanimous decision loss to Stipe Miocic at the UFC 252 main event. brought as the final fight of Cormier’s 11-year MMA career.
Immediately after the fight, Cormier, 41, reiterated that he has no plans to compete again unless it’s a world title, and because he does not expect such an opportunity to come again, that “that will be it for me. to be.”
Monday’s statement does not cover Cormier using ‘retirement’ in any form, but it sounds like he is wrapping up his competitive career.
“Thank you so much everyone for the love and support,” Cormier wrote. ‘Not what I wanted or expected, but it’s what it is. Congrats to [Stipe Miocic] on a fantastic fight, it was an honor and pleasure to share the octagon with you for 50 minutes. Boys, we gave them a show every time. ”
Cormier went on to thank his team, family, and fans, including Dana White and the UFC, before concluding on a reflective note.
“I love every minute,” Cormier wrote. ‘Thank you for giving me the opportunity. Been a helluva ride, huh? “
Should Cormier stick to his plan to no longer compete, he will end his MMA career with a 22-3 (1 NC) record including an 11-3 (1 NC) mark in the UFC. He has won and successfully defended both the UFC heavyweight and lightweight heavyweight titles, and holds victories over Miocic, Derrick Lewis, Anthony Johnson, Alexander Gustafsson, Anderson Silva, Dan Henderson, Frank Mir, and many other notable names. His light heavyweight rivalry with Jon Jones will descend as one of the most memorable in the history of the sport.
Prior to joining MMA, Cormier was an accomplished amateur wrestler, earning Division I All-American status at Oklahoma State and qualifying twice for the Olympics.
Read Cormier’s full, unedited statement below:
Thank you all very much for the love and support. Not what I wanted or expected, but it’s what it is. Congrats to @stipemiocic on a fantastic fight, it was an honor and pleasure to share the octagon with you for 50 minutes. Guys, we gave a show every time. To my team: I love you all until death, you have made so many sacrifices. I hope I made you proud. Salina and the kids: thank you for being my motivation. To all fans: I love you so much. You guys are pushing me to try great. To @danawhite and the @ufc: I love every minute. Thanks for giving me the chance. Been a helluva ride, huh?
