While he didn’t come right out and speak the word “retirement,” it would certainly appear that following his loss to Stipe Miocic last week, UFC veteran Daniel Cormier is ready to move on to the next adventure in his life.
“Thank you all for the love and support,” Cormier posted on his Instagram account. “Not what I wanted or expected but it is 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. Boy did we give ‘em a show every time.
“To my team: I love you all to death, you’ve made so many sacrifices. I hope I made you guys proud. Salina and the kids: thank you for being my motivation. To all the fans: I love you so much. You guys push me to try and be great. To @danawhite and the @ufc: I have loved every minute. Thank you for giving me the opportunity.
“Been a helluva ride, huh?”
In the third bout of their trilogy of fights, Miocic retained his world heavyweight crown at UFC 252 by defeating Cormier via decision. Miocic won their last two meetings after Cormier knocked out Miocic to wrest the heavyweight title away from him during their first fight.
What’s Next For Cormier?
Whichever direction Cormier, 41, chooses for his next step, he certainly is a man with options on his plate. He’s done commentary for UFC cards in the past and that is a potential landing spot for his skills.
However, suppose Cormier isn’t done competing but wants to dial down the pain level a little bit? The WWE is right there, and evidently prepared to welcome him with open arms.
Cormier has been wooed by Vince McMahon’s company for a long time now and talks looked to be heating up last year. Cormier acknowledged in an interview with BT Sport that he’d been approached by the WWE in the past.
“I’ve talked with the WWE on a number of occasions, they want to work together,” Cormier told BT Sport. “I almost came to the press conference for Brock [Lesnar] vs. Cain [Velasquez] to play the role of a fight builder. Unfortunately, my schedule didn’t work.
“I got an offer to work that new show, WWE Backstage on [FS1]. Obviously, it didn’t work with the new relationship with [UFC and] ESPN. But we are constantly trying to get me involved in the product.
“As a big-time fan of the WWE, nothing makes me happier. I’ve got some great opportunities, man. I’m lucky. I’ve got some things outside of the octagon that’s gonna carry me for a long time.”
Dave Meltzer confirmed on his latest Sunday Night’s Main Event podcast that there was still interest in signing Cormier on the part of the WWE.
