Issue 182

September 2019

We’re likely in the final year of Daniel Cormier’s illustrious career and 2018 was arguably his most successful yet. Cormier started off last year with a bang when he put an end to Volkan Oezdemir’s winning streak with a dominant TKO victory in the co-main event of UFC 220 in Boston.

Such was his dominance, he then went on to challenge Stipe Miocic who on the same night had broken the record for most consecutive defences of the UFC heavyweight title with a win over Francis Ngannou. The two went toe-to-toe in the main event of UFC 226 and topped the bill at the 2018 International Fight Week in a highly anticipated bout in Las Vegas. It turned out to be another history-making night with Cormier knocking out Miocic with 30-seconds remaining in the first round and in doing so becoming only the second man in UFC history to be the champion of two divisions at the same time.

Cormier then capped an amazing year by beating Derrick Lewis in the main event of UFC 230 and defending his heavyweight title at Madison Square Garden. His three wins were ultimately enough for fans worldwide to vote him the Charles ‘Mask’ Lewis Fighter of the Year at this year's awards.

Despite his hectic schedule inside the Octagon, Cormier also made waves in the commentary booth in 2018 and was often part of a three-way team with Jon Anik and Joe Rogan.

His sharp analysis and great enthusiasm for the sport were warmly received and it came as no surprise when his efforts were recognized with the Analyst of the Year award as well. There will no doubt be plenty more to come from “DC” in the commentary booth when he finally hangs up the 4-oz gloves.