Daniel Cormier
DC Double Champ (2014-2019) · 2014–2019
Cormier's elite Grappling (95) and elite Fight IQ (90) define this era.
Trophy Case
2014
def. Anthony Johnson via R3 rear-naked choke
2018
KO'd Stipe Miocic in R1 at UFC 226
2004
Freestyle wrestling 96 kg — competed at Athens 2004
The Story
Two-Division Champion
Cormier became only the second fighter in UFC history to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously. He dominated at light heavyweight and then moved up to claim the heavyweight belt, proving that skill and heart could overcome physical disadvantages.
DC the Commentator
Cormier's transition to broadcasting was seamless. His genuine enthusiasm, technical knowledge, and willingness to show emotion on air made him one of the best commentators in MMA history. He cries during emotional moments and doesn't apologize for it.
Signature Moments
Double Champ — LHW and HW Titles
DC knocked out Stipe Miocic in the first round to become the UFC's second simultaneous two-division champion. At 39 years old, as a former Olympian who transitioned to MMA, he proved that skill and heart could overcome any physical disadvantage.
Two belts. At 39. After being told he was too small for heavyweight and too old for the sport. DC proved every doubter wrong with one punch.
The Rivalry with Jon Jones — MMA's Greatest Feud
DC and Jones fought twice in the most bitter rivalry in MMA history. Jones won both, but the second was overturned to a no-contest due to Jones' failed drug test. DC never got a clean loss to Jones — and the debate over who was truly better will never be settled.
The greatest rivalry in MMA. DC lost, but Jones cheated. The truth of who was better died in a drug testing lab.
The Towel Incident — Making Weight
At the UFC 210 weigh-in, DC appeared to lean on a towel held by officials to make weight for his light heavyweight title defense. The video went viral. It was controversial, hilarious, and deeply human — a 38-year-old man fighting his body to compete at the highest level.
The towel incident. The most talked-about weigh-in in UFC history. DC was human in a sport that demands superhumans.
Greatest Rivalries
Jones vs Cormier: Talent vs Character
See Jon Jones's profileThe defining rivalry of the 2010s light heavyweight division. Two future Hall of Famers who genuinely despised each other.
Head-to-Head
Head-to-head: Jones 2, Cormier 0 (first fight: UD win for Jones at UFC 182. Second fight: KO win for Jones at UFC 214, later overturned to NC due to failed drug test).
Cormier was an Olympic wrestler and one of the most accomplished fighters in MMA history. Jones was considered the most talented fighter ever but repeatedly self-destructed with legal issues, failed drug tests, and personal controversies. Cormier represented everything Jones wasn't: discipline, character, and professionalism.
Defining Moments
Turning Point
Jones's positive drug test after UFC 214. He had knocked Cormier out with a devastating head kick, but the victory was overturned to a No Contest. Cormier had been vindicated — Jones needed something beyond talent to beat him.
The Verdict
On paper, Jones won both fights. In practice, one was overturned due to cheating. Cormier is a two-division champion with a clean legacy. Jones has the talent argument. The rivalry ended without a definitive, clean conclusion.
Jones vs Cormier became a morality play: does talent excuse bad behavior? MMA fans were split. Jones supporters said the cage is the only courtroom that matters. Cormier supporters said legacy requires more than fighting ability.
Career Numbers
Career Record
Olympic wrestler who became two-division UFC champion
22-3 (1 NC)
Career KOs
Tied with Jones and Penn (10) — DC had power at LHW and HW
10
Career Submissions
Also GSP (5) — DC's rear-naked choke was money
5
Olympic Wrestling
2004 Athens Olympics wrestler (4th place)
1
1.2 lbs
Towelgate Weight Difference
The towel trick: used a towel to make weight by 1.2 lbs — started a rule change
1279
Total Sig. Strikes Landed
1,279 sig. strikes — and he was primarily a wrestler
396
Clinch Strikes Landed
396 clinch strikes — turned the clinch into a weapon
48
Career Takedowns
48 takedowns — Olympic wrestler strength in every shot
2
Body Slam KOs
2 KOs via body slam — Derrick Lewis and others learned to respect the double leg
Season Stats · DC Double Champ (2014-2019)
Engine Attributes
Fan Debate
What's your take on Daniel Cormier?
Loading debates...