Mixed martial arts - a relatively new sport, which nonetheless has already gained millions of its fans around the world. It goes without saying that, as in any other form of sports, MMA can also boast of its "stars", one of which is rightly considered American Daniel Cormier.
Louisiana titanium
Daniel Cormier was born on March 20, 1979. His hometown is Lafayette, located in Louisiana. The father and mother of the future at that time, the athlete's name was Joseph and Audrey Cormier. In addition, our hero also has relatives: Felicia (sister), Joseph (elder brother).
Already during his high school studies, Daniel extremely seriously plunged into wrestling. Thanks to his perseverance, he was able to become the champion among schools throughout the state three times. Moving to high school, Cormier increased the number of victories in his fights. Note that over this entire period he only suffered defeats twice. After graduating from school, Daniel Cormier becomes a student at Colby Community College. It was during his student years that he was able to become a two-time champion of the national championship of the country.
Wrestling career
After graduation, Cormier did not give up the fight and continues to engage in it. He was even among his country's national team at the world championship in freestyle wrestling, which took place in 2007. Cormier also participated in the 2008 Olympics, although he won nothing.
In addition, the wrestler played in a league called Real Pro Wrestling, where he was able to become the first and, as it turned out in the end, the only champion of the category 211 pounds.
Performances in MMA
Daniel Cormier began his climb to the top of the mixed fights in the Strikeforce promotion. Already in his debut, the American defeats Harry Fraser, and not by points, but by TKO. The second match was also successful for Cormier. He defeated John Devine by knockout.
On the last day of July 2010, Daniel wins the XMMA Heavyweight Championship. To do this, he needed to defeat Lucas Brown. After just two weeks, Cormier wins again. This time, he won the KOTC title: Imminent Danger. Opposed to him by Tony Johnson.
Xorma Daniel Cormier defended the title of best fighter according to the XMMA version, whose weight was always more than 90 kilograms, held in November 2010. His rival was New Zealander Soa Palelei. Cormier holds his next duel in the cage already at the Strikeforce tournament, in which he wins on Devin Cole's points.
Success at the Strikeforce Heavyweight Grand Prix
Cormier holds the first serious battle at the highest level against Jeff Monson and wins against him. In September 2011, โBlack Fedorโ (nickname Cormier) will knock out a fighter from Brazil Antonio โBig footโ Silva, so that the American reached the final of the tournament. The final battle for Daniel was also victorious. He won the decision of the judges of the MMA legend - Josh Barnett.
UFC contract
After Strikeforce ceased to exist, Cormier signs an agreement with the world's largest MMA promotion - UFC.
The debut in this organization occurred on April 20, 2013 in the battle against Frank World. Daniel won on points. After that, the former Olympic wrestler holds three more victorious fights and gets the right to fight for the title. The active promotion of the battle "John Jones - Daniel Cormier" begins.
Challenging the title with a tyrant
On January 4, 2015, a battle took place, in anticipation of which there was a lot of talk and scandal. "John Jones - Daniel Cormier" - a duel, which is based on a deep personal hostility of the fighters. The first three five-minute battle did not give the opportunity to identify anyone's clear advantage. Cormier beat with his hands and Jones with his feet. In the fourth round, the current champion twice transferred the challenger to the ground, but both times he quickly returned to the stance. At the end of the battle, Cormier managed to throw, which once again showed that the rivals are equal. But nevertheless, according to the results of the fight, Jones was able to defend his belt, which after a certain period of time was deprived.
Personal tragedy
The fights of Daniel Cormier - this, of course, is not his whole life. The fighter is married and has children. But, unfortunately, on June 14, 2003, a terrible tragedy occurred in his family - his three-month-old daughter died in a car accident. Moreover, this accident occurred because Cormier put his daughter in a car with friends, because the air conditioner broke in his car. However, despite this grief, Daniel did not give up and now devotes all the victories to his deceased daughter.