Daniel Cormier has come forward to reveal that he would rather decline the chance to face off against UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic, so that teammate Cain Velasquez can take a shot at the title holder.
UFC light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier and UFC heavyweight champion Stipe Miocic each put on dominant performances in their respective co-main and main event match ups over the weekend. At UFC 220, Miocic earned a decision win over rising knockout artist Francis Ngannou. Cormier took out tough contender Volkan Oezdemir in the second round for a TKO victory.
Following the exciting night of fights, UFC President Dana White revealed an interest in seeing Cormier move up in weight to challenge Miocic for his title. After all, Cormier was initially a heavyweight fighter in his career.
Speaking at the UFC 220 post-fight press conference, Daniel Cormier revealed that he is not interested in moving up in weight if AKA teammate Cain Velasquez is returning to the octagon.
“I haven’t really thought about it,” Cormier said. “It’s hard for me now because Cain is in the gym more. Cain is in the gym getting back prepared to do what he does best.
“If he’s getting prepared to get that belt back, then I have nothing for that division. That’ll never change.”
“It’s he (Miocic) and Cain, and then everybody else,” Cormier continued. “The biggest heavyweight fight we’ll ever have is when those two fight each other. I’ll never say he’s better than Cain Velasquez, but he’s good. He’s just as good. They’re even.”
Cain Velasquez suffered an injury that forced the fighter to pull out of UFC 207. The former UFC heavyweight champion has not competed inside the octagon since 2016, as Velasquez has been recovering from his injury.
