D. Cormier in victory for the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
This Saturday (15). the MMA spotlight will be focused on the UFC 252Where Stipe Miocic e Daniel Cormier They will face each other for the third time and will once and for all resolve their disputes regarding the heavyweight belt (up to 120,2 kg). That the trilogy will happen is a fact. However, there is doubt over DC's future in the sport after this weekend's clash. At 41 years old, the fighter clarified his plans regarding a possible retirement.
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“I've loved every part of my career, but you're the best until you're not, and if I keep trying my luck, eventually someone will catch me. I'm 41 years old and having a baby (his wife is pregnant). I fought every guy I could when I was starting out. Afterwards, I fought all the guys I wanted to fight as champion. I got them all. I managed to fight with all the best the UFC has ever had, I would never have imagined doing what I did”, said the former champion in an interview with 'Combate'.
In a farewell tone, DC also explained that preparations for fights became more exhausting and less enjoyable over the years. The process, then, also has a direct influence on his stay in MMA.
“It was very tiring, very difficult. I love fighting, but when I was younger, the camps didn't seem as tiring as they do today. I trained for three or four fights a year, most of the time. It didn't feel like it does now, but we did the work. It was exactly what needed to be done to be prepared for the fight on Saturday night. I think we achieved that,” he said.
Recently, one of Daniel's coaches, and leader of AKA (American Kickboxing Academy), Javier Mendez, declared that, in his opinion, DC should, in fact, withdraw from the sport. On the other hand, the coach suggested that UFC president Dana White has an ace up his sleeve to keep Cormier active for a while longer.
If it is, in fact, the former heavyweight champion's last fight, the athlete will have, in addition to the chance to end his career competing for a linear belt, a rival who is worthy and willing to put on a great show with his opponent.
“He is a great fighter. He has very good boxing, manages distance very well, has phenomenal stamina and has the mentality of a champion. He's a very difficult guy to prepare to face. (…) I’m just going to live in the moment. I will live in the moment and enjoy the belt around my waist once again. This has happened several times and I can’t wait until Saturday for it to happen for the last time.”
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