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#4. More than a UFC champion
A unique aspect of the former UFC champion's career has been his work outside of fighting. He started as an analyst for FOX but got his big break in 2016. Since then, he has become quite popular as a commentator. He now regularly appears alongside Joe Rogan and Jon Anik.
Cormier brings his experience as a fighter to the commentator's table. He analyzes the action from a fighter's point of view rather than just an observer. From the biggest PPV events to UFC fight nights to various pre and post-fight shows, 'DC' can be seen everywhere.
The 42-year-old also gives back to sports. Cormier is the assistant coach at AKA and the head wrestling coach at California's Gilroy High School.
#3. A champion at Strikeforce
Historically wrestlers have done well in MMA. An accomplished wrestler, 'DC' had a solid base to grow his skills. He started training at the American Kickboxing Academy. Training with legends such as Cain Velasquez helped him improve his striking. In 2009, Daniel Cormier made his MMA debut at Strikeforce. He stopped Gary Frazier via second-round TKO.
The future UFC champion would only improve. In 2010 he fought a total of five times in different promotions. All his wins were via first-round stoppage. He then competed and won the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix.
Legends like Fedor Emelianenko, Josh Barnett, Alistair Overeem and Fabricio Werdum were part of the competition. It was 'DC', however, who emerged victorious by beating Josh Barnett in the final.
During this early phase, Cormier's style of fighting would evolve. In most of his matches, he was the physically smaller fighter. However, he effectively used his wrestling to close the distance against longer fighters. The experience he acquired fighting against world-class competition would prove invaluable.
His flawless Strikeforce career is an achievement in itself. But how he had grown as a fighter was on full display during his UFC light heavyweight run.
