Daniel Cormier says he understands Brock Lesnar's decision not to return to MMA

D. Cormier (photo) talks about rejection from B. Lesnar. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook @ danielcormiermma

Since winning the title in the heavyweight category (up to 120,2kg), in July 2018, Daniel Cormier made public a desire: to face Brock Lesnar. After months of negotiations, the WWE star rejected all proposals and frustrated the expectations of MMA fans who would like to watch the duel. The fact, however, does not seem to have shaken 'DC'. In a recent interview with 'ESPN', Daniel said he understands the athlete's decision, who was Ultimate champion between 2008 and 2010.

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“I'm sure Brock didn't want to return under the UFC's terms, in financial matters. There are a lot of uncertainties in the MMA world right now regarding pay-per-view. It’s not like the time he fought,” said Daniel.

Cormier still agreed with his compatriot's decision. Brock, who is an established star in WWE, a sport that generates a lot of audience in the United States, and has a very stable career in this field of entertainment. For Daniel, the UFC's financial proposals may not have seduced the athlete to the point of making him change his field and enter a rigorous training session for a price that wasn't worth it.

“I think when Brock looked at the horizon of MMA, what they offered him, he said, 'I can make this kind of money in WWE.' He doesn't need to work so hard. He wouldn't have to try so hard to face me. And he would probably be defeated”, said 'DC'.

For Cormier, Lesnar would not be favored in MMA at all. In WWE, the story changes, as he is one of the top names.

“In WWE, things are decided in your favor. As a businessman, I think Brock made the right decision”, concluded the champion.

After Lesnar's rejection, the Ultimate management had to race against time to keep the heavyweight title holder active during 2019. The promoters then confirmed that the Stipe Miocic, former belt holder, would receive his chance for a rematch against Daniel. The duel was scheduled as the main fight of UFC 241, on August 17th.

This will be the first time that Cormier returns to the octagon since defending his title for the first time, against Derrick Lewis, in November. His opponent, however, has not played since the defeat to 'DC' in July 2018.

At 40 years old, Daniel, who has an enviable record of 24 fights, 22 victories, one defeat and one unsuccessful duel, has already expressed his desire to retire soon on several occasions. This could therefore be the fighter's last year as a professional MMA athlete.

Miocic, in turn, has a record of 21 fights, 18 wins and three losses. The heavyweight was Ultimate champion in 2016, when he defeated the Brazilian Fabricio Werdum by knockout at UFC 198, in Curitiba. After winning, the athlete defended his belt on three occasions, until losing it to Cormier.