Daniel Cormier – UFC Champion, Record, and Career Timeline
Daniel Cormier is widely recognized as one of the most accomplished figures in mixed martial arts. He competed at the highest levels of the UFC, claiming titles in both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions. His journey began long before the Octagon, rooted in elite amateur wrestling.
Over his professional career, Cormier compiled a record of 22 wins, 3 losses, and 1 no contest. According to his official UFC profile and ESPN statistics, he secured 10 knockout victories and 5 submission wins. His ability to dominate across two weight classes cemented his reputation as a future Hall of Famer.
Career statistics, Olympic background, and the defining rivalries that shaped his path help illustrate the full scope of his impact on combat sports.
What is Daniel Cormier’s UFC record and fighting statistics?
Daniel Ryan Cormier
March 20, 1979 (Lafayette, Louisiana)
5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
22-3-0 (1 NC)
Key Insights
- Cormier is one of only two fighters to hold UFC titles in two weight classes simultaneously.
- His only professional losses came against Jon Jones (twice, with one overturned) and Stipe Miocic.
- He represented the United States in freestyle wrestling at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics.
- After retiring in 2020, he became a full-time color commentator for the UFC.
- He averaged a fight time of 13:50 across his UFC career, according to CBS Sports.
Core Fighting Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Nickname | DC |
| Team | American Kickboxing Academy (AKA) |
| Stance | Orthodox |
| Reach | 72 in (183 cm) |
| UFC Titles | Heavyweight (1x), Light Heavyweight (1x) |
| Wrestling | 2004 & 2008 Olympian |
| Commentary | UFC Color Commentator (2020–present) |
How did Daniel Cormier perform in the Olympics?
Before entering MMA, Cormier built a significant wrestling career. He wrestled for Oklahoma State University, compiling a 53–10 record. According to a UFC documentary, he was a U.S. senior national champion every year from 2003 to 2008, competing at 96 kg in freestyle wrestling.
He qualified for and competed in the Olympic Games in both 2004 and 2008.
While Cormier represented the United States at the 2004 and 2008 Olympics, official placement records from the available sources do not fully detail his final standings. It is confirmed he did not medal in these appearances.
Who is Daniel Cormier’s wife and son?
Public records and standard sports biographies provide limited verified details about Cormier’s immediate family. While some unconfirmed reports name his wife as Salina and his son as Daniel Jr., these details are not substantiated in the major sports databases used for this profile.
Available public records contain limited personal-life detail. Information regarding his spouse and children has not been officially confirmed through his primary media or sports profiles. Speculation is avoided where official records are absent.
What is the story of Daniel Cormier vs Jon Jones?
The rivalry between Cormier and Jon Jones is one of the most intense and consequential in UFC history. It began when Jones defeated Cormier by unanimous decision at UFC 182 in January 2015.
A planned rematch at UFC 200 fell through when Jones was pulled from the card due to a USADA flag. Cormier instead fought Anderson Silva on short notice.
When they finally rematched at UFC 214 in July 2017, Jones won by knockout. However, the result was later overturned to a no contest after Jones tested positive for turinabol. Cormier was subsequently reinstated as the light heavyweight champion, as noted in Wikipedia and ESPN’s fight history.
The overturning of the UFC 214 result remains a pivotal point in Cormier’s legacy. While he lost the physical contest, the official record shows a no contest, preserving his position in the history books as a champion who never lost the belt in the Octagon to Jones.
What is the timeline of Daniel Cormier’s career?
- 2004: Competed in Olympic Games (freestyle wrestling).
- 2008: Second Olympic appearance; did not medal.
- 2009: Made professional MMA debut in Strikeforce.
- 2013: Joined the UFC.
- May 23, 2015: Won UFC Light Heavyweight Championship against Anthony Johnson at UFC 187.
- July 7, 2018: Knocked out Stipe Miocic to win the UFC Heavyweight Championship at UFC 226.
- August 15, 2020: Retired from MMA competition after losing a trilogy bout to Stipe Miocic at UFC 252.
- 2020: Transitioned to a full-time role as a UFC color commentator and analyst.
What is certain and what remains unclear about Cormier’s biography?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Full name: Daniel Ryan Cormier | Exact net worth (estimates vary, not publicly disclosed) |
| Born: March 20, 1979 (Lafayette, LA) | Specific details regarding his wife and children are not officially confirmed in major media profiles |
| Height: 5’11”, Reach: 72.5 in | Full official Olympic placement records |
| Official UFC Record: 22-3-0 (1 NC) | |
| Competed in 2004 and 2008 Olympics |
How does Daniel Cormier’s legacy fit into MMA history?
Cormier’s legacy is defined by his extraordinary versatility. He is one of the few fighters to win and defend titles in two UFC weight divisions.
His rivalry with Jon Jones adds a layer of complexity. Despite the no contest, it is a defining narrative of his era. The controversy surrounding their fights continues to be a central topic in discussions about the sport’s history.
Beyond his fighting career, Cormier successfully transitioned to a broadcasting role, bringing the insight of a former champion and Olympian to UFC broadcasts. His journey from wrestling standout to MMA champion provides a clear blueprint for athletic crossover success.
What are the key quotes and sources about Daniel Cormier?
“I’m not the best in the world, but I’m one of them. I believe that.”Daniel Cormier
“He’s a future Hall of Famer, a great champion and a great man.”Jon Anik (UFC commentator)
Primary sources for this profile include official records from UFC Stats, biographical data from Wikipedia, and career summaries from ESPN and CBS Sports.
Summary: What is the full picture of Daniel Cormier?
Daniel Cormier stands as a landmark figure in combat sports. From his roots in Olympic freestyle wrestling to his reign as a double champion in the UFC, and now as a respected voice in the broadcast booth, his impact on the sport is comprehensive. His career, marked by elite competition and significant rivalries, offers a compelling study in athletic excellence and resilience.
For more on combat sports figures, see this profile on Chase DeMoor – Biography, Boxing Record, Height and Net Worth. Another interesting profile is Phil Mickelson – Net Worth, Wife, and LIV Golf Career.
Frequently Asked Questions About Daniel Cormier
How old is Daniel Cormier?
He was born March 20, 1979, making him 46 years old as of 2025.
What is Daniel Cormier’s reach?
72 inches (183 cm).
Is Daniel Cormier still fighting?
No, he retired in 2020 and is now a commentator.
Where did Daniel Cormier wrestle in college?
He wrestled at Oklahoma State University and was a two-time NCAA All-American.
What is Daniel Cormier’s net worth?
His exact net worth is not publicly disclosed. Estimates from various sources vary, and no confirmed figure is available from official records.
Did Daniel Cormier win an Olympic medal?
No, he competed in the 2004 and 2008 Olympic Games but did not medal.
What is Daniel Cormier’s son’s name?
His son’s name is often reported as Daniel Cormier Jr., but this has not been officially confirmed in the major media profiles reviewed.
How many title defenses did Daniel Cormier have?
He had 4 title defenses across his championship reigns.
Who won the third fight between Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones?
There have only been two official fights. Jones won the first by decision (UFC 182) and the second by KO (UFC 214), but the KO win was overturned to a no contest.
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