When Daniel Cormier steps into the cage against Stipe Miocic this July, he’ll have the opportunity to make UFC history.
To win both the UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight championships at the same time would be one of the most prestigious accomplishments by a UFC athlete. To defeat Miocic while doing so takes it to yet another level.
It’s all something Cormier is well aware of. After all, he says, look at the high esteem in which they’re held by their peers.
“Stipe and I are ranked like No. 3 and 4 or No. 4 and 5 in the pound-for-pound rankings right now,” Cormier said, speaking with FloCombat. “How much better does it get than that?” “This is as good as it gets in terms of sport, in terms of athletic competition, in terms of importance of the sport tied to one fight. It’s unbelievable. I’m so lucky to be a part of this.”
It could, Cormier believes, be the thing that cements his legacy in mixed martial arts. Inarguably one of the most dominating light heavyweights in UFC history, the former Olympian has so far had his story completely linked to that of Jon Jones — the only man to ever defeat him inside the cage.
A win over Miocic would go a serious way to rid Cormier of the whispers he currently faces.
“This gives me exactly what I’ve been pining for,” Cormier said. “I get this done, everything I’ve always wanted, wished for and hoped for is not only a reality but it’s my truth now. I can honestly say I am one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time and have no reservations about it and no one can question it.
“They can only say you know what he’s accomplished, he has that right, and he’s earned it.”
