D. Cormier (left) and C. Velasquez cultivate an old friendship. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @officialcainvelasquez
the american Daniel Cormier recently received a serious blow to his career. Known for being one of the best MMA athletes of all time, the fighter suffered his second career defeat when trying to defend his heavyweight belt in a rematch against his compatriot, Stipe Miocic, at UFC 241. Shaken by the setback, the 40-year-old fighter has not confirmed whether he will request a rematch or hang up his gloves. Cain Velazquez, a friend and training partner, told 'MMA Fighting' that he believes his partner will ask for a rematch at some point.
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“I think he wants to come back and get the rematch with Stipe. If he wants to do that, then I'm with him 100%,” Cain said.
Although he has been friends with Cormier for some time, Velasquez confessed that he has not yet had the opportunity to talk to Daniel about the subject. The fighter also recalled that, in addition to the defeat he suffered almost two weeks ago, the heavyweight lost his stepfather days later, a victim of cancer.
“You know, he still hasn't told me anything he wants to do, and I haven't asked him. I was, somehow, close to that fight, and my prayers are with his family. He just lost his father. So he is in a difficult (emotional) state”, said the former champion.
If DC does, in fact, choose to fight again, Velasquez believes he could emerge victorious in a new duel against Stipe, whom Daniel beat in July last year in the fight for the same belt. If this happens, Cain stated that he will be supporting his friend from start to finish.
“I think he can come back and beat Stipe (Miocic), for sure. I think he has all the weapons. If he wants to do it, he can, but he doesn't have to prove anything to anyone. I think he's the only one who has to make this decision, and he will. Once he takes it, whatever he decides, I will support,” concluded Cain.
With almost 10 years of dedication to MMA, Cormier has already competed in 25 fights and was defeated on only two occasions. The athlete is a former champion of the extinct 'Strikeforce', in addition to having held the light heavyweight title (up to 93kg) of Ultimate, which makes him one of the select athletes to hold two titles in different categories in the UFC.
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